NCJ Number
44049
Date Published
1977
Length
24 pages
Annotation
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS IN THE UNITED STATES IS OUTLINED, AND THE STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS, AND PERSONNEL OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT, JUDICIAL, AND CORRECTIONAL SUBSYSTEMS ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CONSISTS OF THE POLICE, THE COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS. THE MAJOR TASKS OF THE POLICE INCLUDE SELECTIVELY ENFORCING THE LAW, POTECTING THE PUBLIC, AREESTING SUSPECTED LAW VIOLATORS, AND PREVENTING CRIME. THE COURTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSURING THAT SUSPECTED CRIMINALS RECEIVE FAIR TRIALS AND FOR DETERMINING THE GUILT OR INNOCENCE OF THE ACCUSED. THE GOAL OF THE CORRECTIONAL SUBSYSTEM IS TO REHABILITATE OFFENDERS OR TO ALTER THEIR BEHAVIOR SO THAT THEY ARE SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE AND LAW ABIDING. THE GOAL OF ALL THREE SUBSYSTEMS IS THE REDUCTION OF CRIME IN THE COMMUNITY. ALTHOUGH THERE EXISTS A SERIES OF STEPS FOLLOWED BY PERSONS WHO ENTER THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS, THE ISSUE OF WHETHER THAT PROCESS REFLECTS THE UNITY OF PURPOSE IMPLIED BY THE TERM 'SYSTEM' REMAINS CONTROVERSIAL. THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONNEL WITHIN THE POLICE, COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS SUBSYSTEMS ARE REVIEWED. INCLUDED ARE DISCUSSIONS OF POLICE ORGANIZATIONS, CRIME SCENE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POLICE, POLICE CHAIN OF COMMAND AND AGENCY DIVISIONS, COURT STRUCTURE, SELECTION OF JUDGES, AND THE FUNCTIONS OF PROSECUTORS, DEFENSE ATTORNEYS, OTHER COURT PERSONNEL, JURIES, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS, PROBATION OFFICERS, AND PAROLE OFFICERS. CHARTS DEPICTING THE ORGANIZATION OF A MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE MOVEMENT OF CASES THROUGH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE PROVIDED. A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND A CHAPTER TEST ARE INCLUDED.