NCJ Number
132026
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 14 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (Spring-Winter 1990) Pages: 171-188
Date Published
1990
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This analysis examines the effectiveness of the Salvadoran criminal justice system before and after the beginning of the country's civil war by comparing data on offenders, offenses, sentences, and dispositions in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the United States.
Abstract
According to the analysis, El Salvador's capacity to investigate homicides and detect murder suspects has improved over the past ten years of civil war, while its ability to prosecute, try, sentence, and commit offenders has deteriorated. The author noted that while many criminals were apprehended, prosecuted, and imprisoned for routine crimes of violence and property, almost none of the perpetrators of political murders were apprehended by the Salvadoran government. 8 tables and 49 references (Author abstract modified)