NCJ Number
100347
Date Published
1985
Length
356 pages
Annotation
In discussing the components, precedures, and bases of U.S. criminal justice, this book compares the actual functioning of the criminal justice network with the theoretical model upon which it is based.
Abstract
An analysis of U.S. criminal justice presents it as a network of interaction which is strongly influenced by politics and permeated with discretionary decisionmaking. Discussions of the origins, nature, and functions of criminal laws are accompanied by a review of crime types. An overview of police encompasses their history and development, organization, selection, and training. An overview of U.S. courts addresses both the State and Federal court systems, and the discussion of court personnel focuses on defense counsel, prosecutor, judges, probation officers, and court management personnel. Pretrial and trial procedures are analyzed, followed by a review of the treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice network. The history of corrections is presented, followed by discussions of prisoners' rights, alternatives to incarceration, juvenile justice, and criminal justice career opportunities. The appendix contains the U.S. Constitution and selected landmark court decisions. Chapter references and subject and court case indexes.