NCJ Number
32736
Editor(s)
R L GERBER
Date Published
1976
Length
167 pages
Annotation
THIS BOOK OFFERS NINE ARTICLES WHICH PRESENT CAREFUL ANALYSES OF THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND PROVIDE PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
Abstract
THE CONTRIBUTORS, ALL RECOGNIZED AUTHORITIES IN DIVERSE FIELDS OF CRIMINAL LAW AND JUSTICE, HAVE GIVEN LONG THOUGHT TO WHAT EATS AT THE PRESENT SYSTEM AND WHAT WOULD BE MOST ABLE TO RESTORE ITS POWERS IN ITS TASK OF CRIME CONTROL. MANY OF THESE IDEAS WERE FIRST PRESENTED AT A NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM IN CRIMINAL LAW AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY IN 1974. THE FIRST THREE ARTICLES ADDRESS ISSUES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES FOR LEGISLATURES AND LAWMEN; SPECIFICALLY THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF CONSENSUAL SEX ACTS, THE LEGALIZATION OF GAMBLING, AND REFORM OF LAWS ON OBSCENITY ARE DISCUSSED. PROBLEMS OF COURT ADMINISTRATION ARE THEN EXAMINED, INCLUDING THE OPERATION OF THE JURY SYSTEM, PROBLEMS OF THE PROBATION SYSTEM, AND VICTIM COMPENSATION. SUGGESTIONS FOR CORRECTIONAL REFORM ARE DISCUSSED IN TWO ARTICLES. FINALLY, IN THE FOURTH SECTION, THE EDITOR PROVIDES AN ESSAY ON CRUCIAL AREAS OF ON-GOING RESEARCH LIKELY TO BETTER THE PERFORMANCE OF WITNESSES, VICTIMS, POLICE, COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED) (SNI ABSTRACT)