NCJ Number
109651
Date Published
1987
Length
566 pages
Annotation
This introductory textbook describes the current state of the American criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections) and the ways it is changing, improving, and experimenting.
Abstract
A chapter on crime considers the legal foundation of crime and statutory and procedural criminal law. Particular issues examined are the insanity defense and arson. An overview of the criminal justice system covers the processing of felony cases, criminal justice administration as system and nonsystem, and the Federal role in improving State and local criminal justice. Chapters on the police encompass the police role, the police use of deadly force, and community crime prevention. Police legal limitations and the professionalization of the police are also addressed. Issues pertinent to court case processing include the bail system, prosecution, defense, plea bargaining, a speedy trial, trial procedures, and sentencing. Chapters on corrections cover jails, prisons, prisoners' rights, and community corrections. An overview of the juvenile justice system concludes the book. Chapter references, a glossary of terms and legal cases, selected constitutional amendments affecting criminal law, and subject index.