NCJ Number
10853
Date Published
1972
Length
569 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF THE THE PROCESS, PROCEDURES, AND PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE AMERICAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
DISCUSSIONS OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE LAW AND THE NATURE OF CRIME AND CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY ARE PRESENTED IN THE FIRST SECTION. THE SECOND SECTION TRACES THE STEPS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS FROM APPREHENSION THROUGH ADJUDICATION, TO SENTENCING AND CORRECTION. THIS SECTION EXPLAINS THE ADVERSARY AND JURY SYSTEMS, THE COURTS (INCLUDING THE JUVENILE COURT PROCESS), IMPLICATIONS OF DUE PROCESS, AND TRIAL AND POST-CONVICTION PROCEDURES. TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS INTO CRIMINAL JUSTICE AS A WHOLE, INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS IN PART THREE DISCUSS THE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND ROLES OF THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED IN THE SYSTEM, SHOWING THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT, JUDICIAL, AND CORRECTIONAL AND REHABILITATIVE ACTIVITIES. THE WORK OFFERS A GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO THE INTERESTED LAYMAN OR THE BEGINNING STUDENT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINOLOGY, LAW, CORRECTIONS, AND RELATED FIELDS. FOOTNOTES PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF CONTRASTING STATUTORY LAW FROM NEW YORK, ILLINOIS, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS AND SUPPLY SUPPLEMENTAL STUDY MATERIALS FOR THE READER SEEKING A MORE THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF CRIMINAL LAW AND CORRECTIONS. APPENDICES INCLUDE SELECTED SECTIONS OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, A GLOSSARY OF COMMON LEGAL TERMS, AND INSTRUCTIVE MATERIAL FOR LEGAL RESEARCH. (SNI ABSTRACT)