The criminal association principle suggests that being socialized to regard crime as acceptable or to admire criminals plays a role in the choices made in that regard. The fact that Pistone and Napolitano were actually raised in very similar circumstances where each had the same type of exposure to organized crime families illustrates that rational choice is more important than criminal association because Pistone made the conscious choice to become a federal agent rather than one of the criminals who controlled his childhood neighborhood (Macionis, 2003; Schmalleger, 2008).
The segment of the criminal justice system portrayed by Episode 71 is criminal investigations and the operations of the criminal justice system. Fisher was allowed to plea bargain the charges of attempted murder despite the fact that she deliberately shot the wife of her lover in the head in the attempt to murder her. The episode suggests that her age was a significant factor in the decision of the prosecution to agree to that plea, but it is not clear that justice was served, especially for the victim. Fisher never really exhibited any genuine remorse for her crime. The circumstances depicted in the episode illustrate the theory of criminal deviance and rational choice (Macionis, 2003; Schmalleger, 2008). Fisher was a troubled teen who had been a habitual delinquent in school and had abused alcohol and drugs despite having been raised in a respectable upper-middle class home.
Conclusion
It concludes with a retrospective analysis with retired Special Agent Pistone who recounts the experience of his undercover operation and of testifying against some of the criminals who were tried and convicted on the basis of his work. Naturally, Pistone is portrayed as the hero that he is and the Mafiosi are depicted as the ruthless criminals and killers that they are.
Episode #71 concludes with the question of whether or not justice was served. On the basis of the obvious intent of her crime, the lasting physical and emotional harm to the victim, and Fisher's obviously insincere apology, it does not appear that justice was served; Fisher should have received less leniency. Episode #87 leaves the viewer with respect for the federal agents and presents a sobering view of the extent to which modern society is harmed by organized crime. Episode # 71 leaves the viewer with the impression that the criminal justice system sometimes allows criminals to escape the punishment they deserve on the basis of their youth. It also leaves the viewer with questions about why Joseph Buttafuco was not investigated more thoroughly in connection with the allegations that he may have orchestrated the crime and even supplied Fisher with the weapon she used.
Sources Cited
Macionis J. (2003). Sociology. Princeton, NJ: Pearson.
Schmalleger F. (2008). Criminal Justice Today: An…
