NCJ Number
66990
Editor(s)
D H CHANG
Date Published
1979
Length
404 pages
Annotation
THIS COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF THE AMERICAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS PRESENTED FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS TAKING AN INTRODUCTORY COURSE IN THE SUBJECT.
Abstract
DISCUSSION ENCOMPASSES BOTH THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. AN INTRODUCTION FOCUSES ON BASIC DEFINITIONS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD, AS WELL AS SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENTS' CURRICULUMS. IT IS NOTED THAT SUCH FACTORS AS PREVENTING CRIME, FINDING NEW WAYS OF DEALING WITH OFFENDERS, ELIMINATING INJUSTICES, IMPROVING PERSONNEL TRAINING AND INTEGRITY, SUPPORTING RESEARCH, INCREASING FINANCIAL BUDGETS, AND PLANNING AND EXECUTING CHANGES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE ESSENTIAL TO REDUCE CRIME, A MAJOR GOAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM GRADUATES, IT IS POINTED OUT, HAVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN THE AREAS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (PATROL OFFICER, GAME WARDEN, JUVENILE OFFICER), THE COURTS (BAILIFF, COURT ADMINISTRATOR, COURT REPORTER), AND CORRECTIONS (PROBATION OFFICER, CASE WORKER, CUSTODIAL OFFICER). AN EXAMINATION OF PROCEDURES AND PERSONNEL IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM PRECEDES A CONSIDERATION OF LAW, THE FOUNDATION OF A LEGAL SYSTEM. HISTORICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE POLICE ARE HIGHLIGHTED, FOLLOWED BY A REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY LAW ENFORCEMENT. ALSO EXPLORED ARE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND CRIMINALISTICS; THE JUDICIARY AS THE ARBITRATOR OF CONFLICT; AND THE HISTORY OF CORRECTIONS INCLUDING PUNISHMENT VERSUS REHABILITATION. THE DISCUSSION NEXT TURNS TO PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS CONCERNING CORRECTIONS IN AMERICA AND THE ROLE OF FIELD CORRECTION ADMINISTRATION IN PROBATION AND PAROLE. AN ANALYSIS OF VICTIMOLOGY COVERS BOTH THEORY AND APPLICATION, WHILE A REVIEW OF CRIME PREVENTION TAKES AN ECLECTIC APPROACH. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE INVESTIGATED, FOLLOWED BY AN EXAMINATION OF THE CONTEMPORARY WOMAN IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. FINALLY, A DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE CONCLUDES THE BOOK. EACH CHAPTER HAS REFERENCE NOTES AND A QUIZ.