The Importance Of Democracy And Its Impact On Public Policy (Essay Sample)

Democracy influence on Public Policy
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Public policy can be described as the action taken by various governments in addressing some public related issues such as education, crime, economy, health and environment among other issues (Wilson & Petersilia, 2011). In order to enhance effective governance in a country, there is dire need for governments to adopt and implement public policy based on democratic governance principles. Democracy is based on a number of principles that are pertinent towards effective development and implementation of adolescent crime and justice public policy. Some of the democratic principles that are pertinent towards effective development of adolescent public policy include but not limited to the following principles; democracy is aimed at fostering dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, democracy is based on the rule of law, and that democracy should enhance and promote education and enlightenment of the citizens (Bahmueller & Johnston & Quigley &Center for Civic Education (Calif.), & United States, 2007).
One major public policy that is associated with juvenile and adolescent offenders is the issue as to whether age should be considered in terms of the judiciary, prosecution, police and prosecution handle juvenile and adolescent offending. Additionally, pertinent issues such as whether the juvenile and adult offenders should be held criminally responsible for their actions, juvenile confinement, and the criminal responsibility age and whether such offenders should be subjected to capital punishment are some of the public policy issues facing most democracies (Hess, Orthmann & Drowns, 2010).
The above stated democratic principles can largely and positively influence how public policy regarding juvenile and adolescent offending can be handled. For instance, democracy fosters respect for human rights, and juvenile and adolescent offenders should be treatment in a manner that reflects respect for human rights. For example, the police should not use force in arresting the juvenile offenders. Additionally, the prosecution should undertake the prosecution process like suspect questioning in a manner that reflects respect for human rights (Hess, Orthmann & Drowns, 2010).
Secondly democracy is based on the rule of law. Democracy dictates that no one is above the law, and that any citizen should act in accordance with the law. The implication of this democratic principle is that, judicial and prosecution officers should act in a manner based on the laws stipulated in the constitution as opposed to individual prejudices when undertaking prosecution of juvenile and adolescent offenders. Any decisions regarding juvenile and adolescent offending should be based on ratified and documented policies and laws and not on individual opinions and biasness (Hess, Orthmann & Drowns, 2010).
Thirdly, democracy...