NCJ Number
182882
Date Published
2000
Length
112 pages
Annotation
This volume examines several controversies related to crime and criminal justice and presents diverse opinions from both prominent and lesser-known persons who have argued these topics; topics include police powers, gun control, juvenile court waiver for juvenile murderers, mandatory sentencing laws, and capital punishment.
Abstract
The introduction notes that the protection of individual rights that is central to the Constitution is also central to the criminal justice system. Nevertheless, society as a whole also has certain rights. Some people have suggested that individual rights be curtailed to reduce crime, while others believe that even the smallest curtailment of individual rights will lead to abuses. The next chapter presents arguments related to police pursuit driving, police use of force during arrest and apprehension, the use of weapons such as tasers and other types of stun guns, and search and seizure. Additional chapters discuss arguments regarding background checks for gun purchasers, laws on gun storage, and other restrictions on access to guns and whether juveniles who murder should be handled as adults in courts and prisons. Further chapters consider arguments about whether mandatory sentencing laws violate individual rights and whether capital punishment is necessary to protect society. Photographs, figures, reference notes, index, list of suggested readings, and 90 references