NCJ Number
226109
Date Published
2008
Length
199 pages
Annotation
This book provides an overview of the organization of the Dutch criminal justice system and the basic principles guiding the operation of the Dutch criminal justice system.
Abstract
Traditionally known as a system of tolerance, with a low prison rate the Dutch criminal justice system has evolved into a system where crime has increased considerably, as well as the prison rate. Dutch society has become multiethnic with a diffusion of normative systems which has undermined the once shared common values and norms. This change requires new criminal justice policies. In this edition, the operation and organization of the Dutch criminal justice system is examined from both a legal point of view and from a criminal policy perspective. The book is divided into 12 comprehensive chapters which include: (1) the structure of the Dutch State, (2) criminal policy, (3) the Dutch Criminal Code, (4) the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure, (5) main organs of the criminal justice system (police, prosecution, courts, probation, sentence enforcement, and defense), (6) issues of criminal law, (7) issues of procedural law, (8) system of sanctions, (9) sentencing, (10) the prison system, (11) early release, pardon, and aftercare of prisoners, and (12) figures on crime and sentencing. Appendixes include: demographic issues, statistical data, and additional reading. This edition provides a comprehensive examination of the new Dutch criminal justice system following a demand for a safer society in the form of a tougher attitude towards criminality and a decline in tolerance.