Changes in 2012 Laws, including Immigration & Abortion
With a slew of new laws coming into effect for 2012, there will likely be an increased demand for educated individuals who have pursued a criminal justice degree. From more patrols to check for texting while driving to inspections of facilities that perform non-surgical abortions, many of the new laws for this year will result in a greatly increased burden on our already struggling justice system.
Some of the biggest changes this year include tougher immigration laws in several states and new laws involving abortions, such as teenagers being required to tell their parents they are having an abortion if they live in New Hampshire. Other laws that will require more oversight from those with a criminal justice degree include stricter enforcement of a no texting while driving law in Nevada, photo ID voting requirements in two states, a change in teaching requirements about gays and lesbians in California, and the ability to expel students who make online threats against other students or teachers in Illinois.
Those personnel most affected by these new laws will be police officers, immigration law enforcement officers, state inspectors, prosecutors and perhaps defense attorneys. Pursuing an online criminal justice degree may be the key to getting involved where it is needed most – at the ground level in states enacting sweeping changes, such as tougher immigration laws.
A criminal justice degree opens the door to a large number of careers within the justice system, and can enhance the skills of those already working. When the number of laws to be enforced increases, so too does the need for qualified individuals to fill the roles of supporting those laws. More police officers will be needed to patrol and watch for crime, more corrections officers are needed to keep the prison systems running smoothly, and a host of support staff are necessary to make sure the laws are upheld and the inner workings of the justice system continue on unimpeded.
Now is a great time to be pursuing an online criminal justice degree. With more laws being enacted and a larger population to serve, the demand for educated individuals will only increase.
