NCJ Number
14651
Date Published
1973
Length
21 pages
Annotation
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STANDARDS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR CITIZEN ACTION TO IMPLEMENT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS.
Abstract
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STANDARDS IS EXPLAINED. SEVERAL OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DISCUSSED IN RELATION TO COURTS, POLICE, AND CORRECTIONS. THEY INCLUDE THE USE OF IN-HOUSE LEGAL ADVISORS FOR POLICE TO REDUCE PROCEDURES WHICH MAY VIOLATE CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS, AND STANDARDS FOR POLICE RECRUITMENT, TRAINING, AND ADVANCEMENT. ALSO RECOMMENDED ARE INCREASED COURT DIVERSION, DE-EMPHASIS OF MONEY BAIL, AND USE OF 'OMNIBUS HEARINGS' IN WHICH DEFENSE AND PROSECUTION WOULD DISCUSS THE CASE BEFORE TRIAL. METHODS FOR SPEEDING UP TRIALS AND APPEALS, AND SENTENCING AND CORRECTIONAL ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS LIMITS ON LONG SENTENCES AND INDIVIDUALIZED SENTENCING ARE INDICATED. NEEDED CITIZEN ACTIONS ARE OUTLINED. AN ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN THE CITIZENS' LOCALITY, FOLLOWED BY PRESSURE ON KEY INDIVIDUALS TO ASSURE IMPLEMENTATION, AND CONTINUING STEPS TO ASSURE THAT THE NEW METHODS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT ARE ALL SEEN AS IMPORTANT CITIZEN EFFORTS. PUBLICATIONS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ARE LISTED.