NCJ Number
99763
Date Published
1985
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This introduction to American concepts of justice, intended for school-age children, traces the historical evolution of justice concepts and describes American justice proceedings at arrest, pretrial, trial, and after sentencing.
Abstract
It briefly traces justice concepts from prehistoric times through early civilizations and the written law, with particular attention to efforts at balancing justice for the individual and the group. A chapter describes aspects of the early British justice system as the precursor of America's justice system. Significant justice documents are reviewed, including the Magna Charta, the English Bill of Rights, and the American Constitution. The American Bill of Rights is explained, with particular attention to the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth amendments. Separate chapters deal with the rights of the accused at arrest and the application of justice concepts in pretrial and trial proceedings as well as after sentencing. Civil justice and weaknesses in the American justice system are reviewed. A subject index is provided.