NCJ Number
27479
Date Published
1975
Length
56 pages
Annotation
A GENERAL DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL REACTIONS TO CRIME EMBODIED IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR FIRST REVIEWS THEORETICAL ISSUES ON THE CAUSES OF CRIME AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN THE STUDY OF CRIME. A SOCIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS THEN PROVIDED. THE SOCIAL PROCESSES AND WORKINGS OF THE POLICE, THE COURT SYSTEM, AND PRISON SOCIETY ARE EXAMINED IN TURN. SPECIFIC TOPICS INVESTIGATED INCLUDE POLICE SOCIALIZATION, POLICE ATTITUDES, POLICE DECISIONMAKING, PLEA BARGAINING, COURT CONGESTION, DETENTION, THE PRISON SUBCULTURE, AND THE PROCESS OF DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION. FINALLY, THE EMPIRICAL AND CONCEPTUAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF THE LAW ARE EXPLORED.