Crime and Punishment Weekly Polls 2008

"All effective law enforcement programs require the concern and active participation and cooperation of the citizenry to succeed. No matter how well organized, equipped, energetic, or highly motivated a law enforcement agency may be, it can not function effectively in its fight against crime without the cooperation and involvement of its community.

Without this cooperation and involvement, any crime prevention or crime reduction program is doomed to failure," according to Nashville Crime Stoppers.

Poll: Have you ever reported a crime tip to law enforcement?

1) Yes, one time.
2) Yes, more than once.
3) No, but I have had a tip I could have reported.
4) No, I've never had anything to report.
5) No, I would never be a snitch.

On Oct. 3, 2008, exactly 13 years after O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the murders of ex-wife Nicole Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, Simpson was found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping of two sports memorabilia dealers in a Las Vegas motel room. On December 5, 2008, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his crimes.

Some pundits believe that the bizarre case was an attempt by the former football star to bring justice on himself.

Poll: What do you think? Did O.J. want to be punished?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

Background: The Legal Saga of O.J. Simpson

The holiday season is a time when people are easily distracted and thieves are paying complete attention, just waiting for the right opportunity to steal.

Poll: Which of the following precautions do you take most often during the busy holiday season?

1) Keep your purse close to your body.
2) Use a compact fanny pack because it is more difficult for a thief to grab.
3) Carry only the credit cards you intend to use.
4) Avoid carrying and showing large amounts of cash.
5) Keep packages in the car out of site and locked in the trunk.
6) Approach ATMs cautiously and use machines located in high traffic areas.
7) Keep car keys in hand when leaving work, stores or malls.
8) All of the above.
9) None of the above.

The Governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer, with his wife by his side, announced he would be leaving political life to focus on healing himself and his family after his involvement with a call-girl became public knowledge.

Is prostitution a victimless crime?

1) Yes. It should be legal.
2) Yes. If the buyer is single.
3) No. It is dangerous and spreads diseases.
4) No. It hurts everyone involved.

Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty for Kimberly Trenor, the mother of a two-year-old girl who was known as "Baby Grace" after her body was found in a container in Galveston Bay.

Poll: Should prosecutors have sought the death penalty against Kimberly Trenor?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

See Also: The 'Baby Grace' Case

Sex offenders in Maryland received paper signs in the mail that show a pumpkin and read "No candy at this residence," which they were required to post on their front doors with instructions to stay at home, turn off outside lights and not answer the door on Halloween.

Although the signs are intended to keep children safe, opponents believe they unnecessarily open up the offenders to public humiliation and possible retaliation.

Poll: Should sex offenders be required to post "No candy at this residence," on Halloween?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a Nebraska case in which a judge barred all witnesses from using the word "rape" during a sexual assault trial. Meanwhile, he allowed the defendant's attorney to use "sex" and "intercourse" to describe the incident between Safi and the victim, Tory Bowen.

During the trial, Bowen accused Safi of sexually assaulting her in October 2004 when she was too intoxicated to give consent.

Do you think the judge violated the victim's constitutional rights?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

See Also: Supreme Court Dodges 'Rape' Testimony Issue

O.J. Simpson's lawyers are seeking a new trial after he was found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping of two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas casino hotel room.

Yahoo News reported that, "Attorney Gabriel Grasso wrote in a motion faulting Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass' decisions during jury selection, her limitations on cross-examination of witnesses during trial and her instructions to jurors before deliberations."

Poll: Will O.J. Simpson win his appeal?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

Background: O.J. Simpson Guilty on All Charges

Denise Harvery of Vero Beach, Florida, received a 30-year sentence after being found guilty of having sex with her son's 16-year-old friend. The victim testified that he and Harvery had sex five times.

Do you think the 30 year sentence is appropriate?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

See Also:
Gallery - Women Arrested for Indecent Behavior With Kids