History of architecture; transformation of the basilica 'type' form Essay

History of architecture; transformation of the basilica 'type' form from the Imperial Roman use to the use by the (Western) Catholic Church - Essay Example The structures of these buildings were designed for varying use with a consistency for certain characteristics, and a new form of decoration and building evolved. The new construction in Rome like Saint Peters, Saint John in Lateran and Saint Pauls Outside the Walls deviated from the Roman baths that used massive engineering made of brick and concrete and from the classical and simple form of temple, to colonnades circling a cella or chamber. The new construction adopted elements from traditional market places, military and riding halls and judiciary building where the interior colonnade separates the space into a major longitudinal space and aisles. These elements were employed in an innovative way to form a religious gathering hall with a better ground plan and varying interior and exterior effects to house new functions according to the evolving liturgy of the Christian church. Saint Peters Basilica has the characteristics of this form of planning and structure. Since the Basilica is situated adjacent to a hill, the way to entrance gate is connected with a monumental stairway. The Basilica has a large atrium or colonnaded court with a purification facility from a fountain. The church is a five aisled basilica with colonnades separating two aisles. The longitudinal space leads to a broad arch opening to a transverse space called the transept. An elevated sanctuary or bema is constructed after the transept and the high alter is situated on the bema in an apse or semicircular area. Saint Peters basilica is covered using a timber roof. The basilica also has sloping roof above the aisle with a gabled roof above the nave (Calkins p.10). The spatial logics of the basilica permits only partial view of the ceremony. The ruler or emperor was the only layman allowed to enter the sanctuary. The participation of the emperor along with the clergy in the liturgical function by

The Purpose of Repairing the Criminal Justice System Essay

The Purpose of Repairing the Criminal Justice System - Essay Example The practical implication is that when a punishment is given to an offender by a court of law in a criminal case, it does not benefit the victim any way. The victim does not know how to undo the harm done to him / her. The criminal justice system being implemented in all countries stresses on punishment to offenders with a view of ending crimes and reducing crime rate. The system obviously believes that sentencing offenders to imprisonment would help reduce crime rate in the society. The argument certainly seems logical on the face of it but analysts find it hard to buy. Researchers argue that the evidence supporting this logic looks ambiguous by pointing out that crime rates are guided by factors of unemployment, evils of illegal drugs and guns, lack of proper police planning, immigration and housing problems etc (Krisberg). In Krisberg’s view, punishment alone would not reduce crime rate. While the failure of the factor of punishment in reducing the crime rate could be one of the reasons seeking to repair the criminal justice system, the purpose of such a repair would be really varied. More than achieving reduction in crime rate, the main purpose of repairing the system lies in the objective of undoing the harm done to a victim. In fact, the repair of the criminal justice system should be undertaken lock, stock and barrel in order to transform it from retribution into restoration. Turning it into a restorative one should be the main purpose of repairing the criminal justice system. In a system of justice governed by restitution, more concentration is placed on healing the wounds of victims rather than on punishing the offender. Wray vehemently argues in an internet article that this type of justice demands conciliation between an offender and his / her victim through a friendly encounter which could be a source for healing the latter’s wounds. On the other