NCJ Number
150746
Journal
CJ International Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1994) Pages: 11-22
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Based upon the author's experience in Lithuania as a member of Project Assist, which offered technical assistance to strengthen law enforcement and judicial systems, this article examines current criminological concerns, perceived causes of Lithuania's growing crime problems, and the quest to liberate criminal justice.
Abstract
In its transition from socialism to a free-market economy, Lithuania has experienced soaring crime rates. There are also new forms of criminality, such as counterfeiting and extortion, and new categories of offenders. There are innovations in criminal infrastructure, including the emergence of juvenile gangs and sophisticated international systems of organized crime. In the justice system, the move from social control to the protection of individual rights has created difficulties and adjustments. There are personnel shortages in all areas of the criminal justice system, as people have left the public sector to engage in more lucrative opportunities in private enterprise. Lithuania must develop a criminal justice mission statement and develop an experimental mentality in criminal justice planning, including a willingness to make mistakes. It also must become knowledgeable in the international literature on crime and crime control, as it builds its own portfolio of research materials. In addition, Lithuania should improve the flow of criminal justice information with her Baltic neighbors. Objective programs for evaluating the effectiveness of criminal justice agencies and increasing the opportunities for continuing legal education and specialization are crucial for developing greater respect for legal professions. Progress in a short time includes a new constitution that emphasizes the rule of law and efforts to depoliticize justice and limit police powers to search and seize, detain, and arrest. 17 references