Introduction
Principal global criminal issues and crimes refer to crimes that are carried out internationally and affect many nations. Sometimes, these crimes take place in one country but have an impact on other nations internationally. As far as global criminal processes and crime are concerned, there are actions such as securing evidence, witnesses, and suspects from different nations to prosecute a crime. Handling and solving global crime is extremely difficult since the field is exceptionally complex.
Moreover, crimes develop each day, and their trend differs depending on the country. The term global crime refers to a wide array of criminal activities. These include, but are not limited to organized crime, terrorism, drugs and arms trafficking, internet crime, tax crimes, money laundering, apprehending fugitives, crime against humanity, human trafficking, intellectual property piracy, endangered species trade, and artefacts and antiquities theft or trade. Law enforcement is recognized as an exceptionally powerful weapon for combating global crimes.
Money laundering
This refers to an action or anticipated action to disguise or hide the source of proceeds obtained illegally. On the contrary, the proceeds are made to appear as if their identity is a legitimate source. For time immemorial, illegally acquired money has been laundered and circulated internationally. This is accomplished through the abuse and use of money transmitters, intermediaries, as well as shell companies (Walker & Katz, 2008). International law bodies collaborate in a bid to curb money laundering. To achieve this, there is intensive global data exchange, supporting field operations, and coordinating experts from various sectors. Moreover, these bodies cooperate with international organizations in fostering global awareness.
Human trafficking
Human trafficking refers to the act of acquiring people through the use of improper means. Most of the time, human traffickers use deception, fraud, and force to acquire their culprits, with the main aim of sexual harassment and exploitation. Basically, every nation is impacted by human trafficking. However, every nation globally faces the challenge of targeting and executing human trafficking criminals, who take advantage of desperate individuals. As far as human trafficking is concerned, there is a need for nations to unite and help and guard human trafficking victims, as well as the smuggled migrants. The majority of human trafficking victims undergo unimaginable hardships (Waller, 2009).
Terrorism
The Cold War brought an end to how foreign threats were executed. The worry in many nations is insidious assaults, which threaten property and lives and bring about a fearful climate. There have been numerous terrorist attacks, for example, the Pentagon, New York City, and World Trade Centre. Chemical agents were used in the Tokyo subway attack. This heightened the concern from an international organization since it became evident that the attacks can occur anywhere.
The foreign groups involved in terrorism are not limited to national and governmental boundaries. Some groups are assisted by governments in their operations.
Drug trafficking
Drug trafficking is recognized as international illicit trade. It involves the sale, distribution, production, and cultivation of substances that are considered illegal by the drug prohibition laws. International bodies are continually researching and monitoring worldwide drug trafficking markets. This aims at comprehending the dynamic of drug trafficking intensively. Yearly, 430- 450 tons flow into the heroin international market. The majority of the illegal drug is obtained from Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and Afghan. Several routes are used as the key avenues for heroin trafficking. They connect Afghanistan with the bigger markets in Western Europe and Russian Federation (Victor & Naughton, 2010).
The heroin market fetches approximately thirteen billion every year. Several countries are involved in drug trafficking. Therefore, international bodies have a great concern in terminating drug trafficking. In addition to this, worldwide drug cartels are still pumping immense amounts of heroin and cocaine into different countries. This has resulted in the destruction of immense lives, escalated public health expenditures, and resulted in other forms of crime (Waller, 2009).
Various International Criminal Justice Systems Comparison
The England and Wales criminal justice system adheres to an entirely adversarial system. The jury or magistrate listens to both opposing opinions about the case. The prosecution parties and defence present the case in the manner they think is appropriate. The witnesses are examined as stipulated in the law restriction. On the other hand, the Japanese system involves a semi- inquisitorial scheme. The police and judge participate in evidence preparation. The judge directs how the various parties will participate in the trial. The witnesses are questioned directly by the judge, but the prosecution parties and the defendant question the witnesses through the judge (Robinson, 2009).
While the England and Wales system utilises the jury system, the Japanese system does not. The Japanese system involves ‘Monopolization of Prosecution’, where public prosecutors possess exclusive power solely. In case the victim has the belief that there is an abuse of exclusive power by public prosecutors, the Monopolization of Prosecution is exempted. The victim may apply for a court trial (Muraskin & Roberts, 2009).
Both criminal justice systems assume the victim’s innocence unless he is proved guilty. The standard proof needs to be reasonably doubtless. The innocence presumption is essential in every criminal procedure stage. In cases of doubt, the will of the defendant is preferred. In addition, both criminal justice systems offer individuals various rights, which include the right to life, a fair trial, and the prevention of torture.
Addressing the Major Global Crimes and Criminal Issues
The global crimes discussed above are continuing to escalate, and result in complicated threats. As such, there is a need for a multi-disciplinary response. International bodies should involve various nations in prosecuting and investigating criminal activities. Second, the countries should participate in developing an international agreements network for promoting cooperation. This will ensure that global crimes are fought against effectively. Finally, technical aid and training programs will bear significant help to foreign nations, which are struggling to better their law execution abilities and legal infrastructure (Muraskin & Roberts, 2009).
It is worth noting that the judicial and police infrastructures in the majority of the developing nations are not adequately equipped to combat the various global crimes. This results from inadequate resources, corruption, and insufficient investigative authorities. The laws in these countries should be existent and updated. This will assist in curbing drug trafficking, terrorism, human trafficking, and money laundering. In Japan, a similar process is adhered to during criminal cases. The constitution offers protection to individuals during criminal investigations and court trials. Therefore, individuals’ rights are protected during the entire process.
References
Muraskin, R., & Roberts, A.R. (2009). Visions for Change: Crime and justice in the twenty-first century (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Robinson, M. B. (2009). Justice blind? Ideals and realities of American criminal justice (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Victor, J. L. & Naughton, J. (2010). Annual editions: Criminal justice. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Walker, S., & Katz, C.M. (2008). The police in America: An introduction (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw- Hill.
Waller, B. N. (2009). You decide! Current debates in criminal justice. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.