Final answer:
The Wedding Cake model is a framework that explains how the criminal justice system functions, highlighting the uneven treatment in the system based on the severity and visibility of crimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Wedding Cake model, also known as the Differential Justice Model, is a framework that explains how the criminal justice system functions. It was introduced by Samuel Walker in 1978. According to this model, the CRMJ system operates on a hierarchical structure with different levels or tiers.
Key Features of the Wedding Cake Model:
Celebrated Cases: The top tier represents high-profile and unique cases that receive a great deal of public attention. These cases are thoroughly investigated, meticulously prosecuted, and attract media coverage.
Serious Felonies: The second tier contains cases involving serious offenses, such as homicides and sexual assaults. These cases receive significant attention from the criminal justice system but are handled with less scrutiny than celebrated cases.
Lesser Felonies: The third tier includes cases with less serious offenses, such as burglary and drug possession. These cases are more routine and are processed quickly through the system, often resulting in plea bargains or probation.
Misdemeanors: The bottom tier represents minor offenses, such as traffic violations and petty theft. These cases are often resolved swiftly and informally, with little involvement from the formal criminal justice system.
The Wedding Cake model suggests that the level of impact and scrutiny varies depending on the type of case, with higher tiers receiving more attention and resources. It highlights the unequal treatment within the criminal justice system based on the severity and visibility of the crime.