NCJ Number
95910
Editor(s)
P B McGuigan,
T L Donovan
Date Published
1984
Length
26 pages
Annotation
President Reagan's 42-Point proposal, the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1983, is discussed, as are other proposals to reform the criminal justice system.
Abstract
The Act, containing 16 major sections, was intended to serve as a reference document, and to comprehensively pinpoint all of the various criminal justice legislative reforms needed to restore a proper balance between the forces of law and the forces of lawlessness. In June, four titles were severed from the core package because they were considered controversial: habeas corpus reform, exclusionary rule reform, Federal tort claims act amendments, and the reinstitution of capital punishment. However, both the core package and these so-called controversial issues reached the floor. Action on the bill is expected and little, if any, opposition is anticipated. This bill will result in a criminal justice system that is fairer to people accused of crime than any other system in the world. Various provisions in the bill, such as sentencing reform, elimination of parole, bail reform, and the insanity defense are discussed. The problems caused by the exclusionary rule also are examined. This rule often excludes the most credible probative kinds of evidence such as fingerprints, guns, and dead bodies; it prevents prosecution of repeat offenders; and it offers no protection or compensation to the innocent. The Victim's Rights Act is also addressed.