NCJ Number
158789
Date Published
1978
Length
514 pages
Annotation
This Senate hearing, held in 1978, focused on two pieces of legislation that would focus Federal resources on the development of career criminal or repeat offender prosecution programs to ensure intensive prosecution of offenders.
Abstract
The Senate committee examined the bills as part of its continuing inquiry into the future of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (EL). The discussions noted that making a direct and demonstrable impact on violent street crime is the single most important goal of any program of Federal assistance to State and local criminal justice agencies. Studies have revealed that a small proportion of offenders account for large numbers of crimes, but many habitual offenders are not prosecuted. Prosecutors face large caseloads and concentrate most on cases with strong likelihood of conviction. These include cases in which witnesses cooperate and the evidence is strong. Prosecutors consider the immediate offense rather than the offender's history. Speakers included an assistant LEAA administrator, prosecuting attorneys from several jurisdictions, and a member of Congress. Written statements came from two senators, a State attorney general, and a representative of the National Rifle Association. Tables, figures, and text of legislation