A privately owned island off the coast of Florida has been left to you by the eccentric owner who recently died. The island is large enough for several small communities to be developed. You want to start off on the right foot by establishing a local government, a judicial system, and a law enforcement system. The only stipulation is that you cannot be the dictator of the island.

QUESTION

A privately owned island off the coast of Florida has been left to you by the eccentric owner who recently died. The island is large enough for several small communities to be developed. You want to start off on the right foot by establishing a local government, a judicial system, and a law enforcement system. The only stipulation is that you cannot be the dictator of the island.

For the Unit V Mini Project, you will describe the following points:

the type of local government you would establish (e.g., county, city),
the form of that government (e.g., township, municipal charter),
the management system (e.g., commission, mayor, council),
how leadership positions would be instated (e.g., appointment, election),
the type of law enforcement and judicial system you would put into place, and
your rehabilitation system for any criminal offender.
You can mix and match your government, judicial, and law enforcement decisions, but you must fully explain the reasons why you chose the types of systems. You must also address how your government would work with other governments/agencies and in what ways.

Your mini project must be at least three full pages in length, not including your title page and reference page. Outside sources are not a requirement. If you do not need to use any outside sources, you do not need to include a reference page, but if you do choose to use them, they must be cited and referenced according to APA. In addition to the title page and possible reference page, be sure to follow all other APA formatting standards (Times New Roman, 12-point font; double spacing; running head; and 1-inch margins).

ANSWER

 Establishing Governance and Justice Systems on a Privately Owned Island

Introduction

As the recipient of a privately owned island off the coast of Florida, I am tasked with establishing a local government, judicial system, and law enforcement system that promotes fair governance and ensures the safety and well-being of the island’s residents. While I am prohibited from assuming dictatorial powers, I will outline a comprehensive plan for the island’s governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

Local Government

I propose the establishment of a city government as the appropriate form of local governance for the island. This choice allows for more localized decision-making and efficient administration of services and resources. Additionally, the city structure enables the development of multiple small communities on the island.

Form of Government

To ensure effective management and representation, I would adopt a municipal charter as the form of government for the city. A municipal charter grants greater autonomy and flexibility, allowing the city to tailor its governance structure to meet the unique needs and characteristics of the island.

Management System

A council-manager system would be the preferred management system for the island’s government. Under this model, a council composed of elected representatives would oversee policy-making and legislation, while a professional manager appointed by the council would handle the day-to-day operations and administration of the city. This system combines democratic decision-making with professional expertise, promoting efficiency and accountability.

Leadership Positions

Leadership positions within the government would be instated through democratic elections. Residents of the island would have the opportunity to participate in the selection of council members and the mayor. By allowing residents to exercise their right to vote, we ensure that leaders represent the interests and aspirations of the community.

Law Enforcement and Judicial System

To maintain law and order, I would establish a professional police force responsible for enforcing laws and protecting the safety of residents. The police force would operate under the principles of community policing, fostering a strong relationship with the local community and promoting trust and cooperation.

For the judicial system, I propose the establishment of a local court that operates within the framework of the island’s legal system. The court would consist of appointed or elected judges with expertise in interpreting and applying the law. The aim would be to ensure fair and impartial resolution of legal disputes, adhering to the principles of justice and the rule of law.

Rehabilitation System

Recognizing the importance of rehabilitation for criminal offenders, I would implement a comprehensive rehabilitation system on the island. This system would include educational and vocational programs, counseling services, and community integration initiatives. The focus would be on providing offenders with the necessary skills and support to reintegrate into society as productive and law-abiding citizens.

Collaboration with Other Governments/Agencies

To foster collaboration and effective governance, my administration would establish partnerships and engage in cooperative agreements with neighboring municipalities, state agencies, and federal authorities. Such collaborations would facilitate resource sharing, joint initiatives, and the exchange of best practices, ensuring the island’s government works synergistically with external entities to address shared challenges and maximize the benefits for residents.

Conclusion

Establishing a local government, judicial system, and law enforcement system on the privately owned island would require careful consideration of the island’s unique context and needs. By adopting a city form of government with a council-manager system, ensuring democratic elections, implementing a professional law enforcement agency, and establishing a fair and impartial judicial system, we can create a governance framework that prioritizes the welfare and interests of the island’s residents. Through collaboration with external entities, we can foster a harmonious relationship and maximize the island’s potential as a thriving and inclusive community.