NCJ Number
16516
Journal
Criminal Law Bulletin Volume: 10 Issue: 7 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1974) Pages: 571-588
Date Published
1974
Length
18 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AND ACTUAL TRENDS TOWARD REFORM OF THE UNITED STATES PENAL LAW.
Abstract
TRENDS TOWARD DECRIMINALIZATION AND/OR A MORE LIBERAL ATTITUDE TOWARD DRUNKENNESS, GAMBLING, DRUG ABUSE, OBSCENITY, SEXUAL CONDUCT, VAGRANCY AND THE USE OF THE DEATH PENALTY ARE HIGHLIGHTED. NEW TASKS IDENTIFIED FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM INCLUDE INCREASED EFFORTS IN THE AREAS OF ORGANIZED CRIME, WHITE-COLLAR CRIME, CONSUMER PROTECTION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL. CHANGES IN CORRECTIONAL APPROACHES, SUCH AS PROBATION, COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTIONS, AND DIVERSION ARE DISCUSSED. ALSO REFERRED TO IS THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE TRAINING OF ALL CRIMINAL JUSTICE PERSONNEL. THE AUTHOR CALLS FOR AN END TO BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND THE PAYMENT OF POLITICAL FAVORS AS A WAY TO MAKE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE PROBLEM OF CRIME.