NCJ Number
34788
Date Published
1976
Length
239 pages
Annotation
THIS TEXT PRESENTS A SERIES OF RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH CALL FOR THE RESTRUCTURING OF PUBLIC POLICY ON STREET CRIME THROUGH DECRIMINALIZATION OF LESS SERIOUS CRIMES AND REVISION OF THE METHODS OF SENTENCING AND PUNISHMENT.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR POINTS OUT THE INEQUALITIES OF THE EXISTING CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS, WHICH EXPENDS A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF TIME AND MONEY DEALING WITH CRIMES THAT HARM NO ONE WHILE AFFORDING INADEQUATE PROTECTION AGAINST SERIOUS CRIMES. IN THE FIRST SECTION OF THIS TEXT, THE AUTHOR OFFERS PROPOSALS FOR REDIRECTING THE ENERGIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO MAKE IT MORE EFFECTIVE IN COMBATING CRIME. CHANGES IN PUBLIC POLICY AIMED AT MITIGATING THE CAUSES OF CRIME ARE ALSO PROPOSED. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE PROVIDED ON DECRIMINALIZATION OF CONSENSUAL SEXUAL RELATIONS, POSSESSION OF DRUGS, AND STATUS OFFENSES; STRICT LIMITATIONS ON GUN OWNERSHIP; POLICE MANAGEMENT POLICIES WHICH ALLOW POLICE CORRUPTION; AND REFORMS OF SOCIAL AGENCIES TO REDUCE FAMILY DISRUPTION CAUSED BY THESE BUREAUCRACIES. IN THE SECOND PART OF THIS TEXT, THE AUTHOR PROPOSES AN END TO PLEA BARGAINING, ABOLISHMENT OF PAROLE, ABANDONMENT OF THE REHABILITATIVE MODEL OF CORRECTIONS, USE OF PRISON AS PUNISHMENT FOR SERIOUS CRIMES, AND ADOPTION OF A POLICY OF DETERRENCE WITH RESPECT TO IMPRISONMENT.