NCJ Number
90337
Date Published
1983
Length
102 pages
Annotation
Criminal justice recommendations adopted by the American Bar Association House of Delegates on February 9, 1983, deal with gun control, appellate delays, resources for the criminal justice system, correctional facilities, prison industry, juvenile justice, and the role of the legal profession.
Abstract
Gun control recommendations include (1) the use of effective measures to control the possession of handguns, (2) the enactment of appropriate penalties to deter firearms-related crime and the violation of gun control laws, and (3) opposition to attempts to repeal the regulatory provisions of the 1968 Gun Control Act. Recommendations for countering appellate delays include jurisdictional enactment of 'speedy appeals' legislation, the use of available technology to speed the preparation of trial transcripts, and efforts to dispose of frivolous appeals. Resource recommendations focus on Federal commitment to financial and technical assistance for State and local governments along with increased spending for indigent defense services. Recommendations regarding correctional facilities deal with funding, the use of facilities, and Federal technical assistance. Steps are also recommended for encouraging and improving correctional industries. Juvenile justice recommendations deal with resource allocation, continual monitoring of all cases under the jurisdiction of juvenile authorities, and support for certain actions recommended in the Attorney General's Task Force on Violent Crime. Finally, it is recommended that the American Bar Association assist State and local bar associations in developing projects that will prevent and reduce crime. The appendixes contain materials relevant to the implementation of the recommendations.