NCJ Number
60166
Date Published
1977
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM EXAMINES THE INEQUITIES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, REPORTS ON EFFORTS TO STANDARDIZE FEDERAL COURT SENTENCES, AND OFFERS ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
Abstract
THROUGH INTERVIEWS, THE VIEWER IS INTRODUCED TO THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE VICTIM, CRIMINAL, PROSECUTOR, AND JUDGE, THEREBY REVEALING THE INEQUALITIES AND INCONSISTENCES OF THE SYSTEM. THE EXTENT OF THE CRIME PROBLEM IS DISCUSSED, NOTING THE FEAR OF THE MIDDLE CLASS AS WELL AS THE CRIME PROBLEM IN THE GHETTO. THE COURTS ARE SWAMPED WITH CASES, LEADING TO LENGTHY DELAYS IN DISPENSING JUSTICE AND TO THE SHORT-CHANGING OF DUE PROCESS TO COPE WITH THE WORKLOAD. CURRENTLY, THE MOST COMMON METHOD OF SETTLING A CASE IS THROUGH PLEA BARGAINING; 85 PERCENT OF ALL CRIMINAL CASES ARE SOLVED IN THIS MANNER. IN ADDITION, THE VICTIM IS OFTEN NEGLECTED, IGNORED DURING THE PLEA BARGAINING PROCESS, AND SOMETIMES NOT EVEN TOLD THE DISPOSITION OF A CASE. CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS ARE ALSO TREATED UNFAIRLY IN MANY CASES, AS EVIDENCED BY THE INHUMANE CONDITIONS IN THE MANHATTAN HOUSE OF DETENTION AND THROUGH AN INTERVIEW WITH A WELL-KNOWN PLAYWRIGHT AND FORMER CONVICT. OTHER FORMS OF DISPARITY IN SENTENCING ARE ALSO DESCRIBED, SUCH AS REGIONAL SENTENCING DISPARITIES AND CLASS DIFFERENCES. THE NATIONAL MOVE TOWARD MORE STRUCTURED SENTENCING AND LESS JUDICIAL DISCRETION IS NOTED, WITH EXPLANATIONS OF INDETERMINABLE SENTENCING PRACTICES. PROGRAMS INVOLVING SENTENCING REFORM IN CALIFORNIA AND MAINE ARE DESCRIBED AS WELL AS OTHER PROPOSALS. A FILM GUIDE WITH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY IS ATTACHED. (WJR)