NCJ Number
16830
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (SUMMER 1974) Pages: 103-111
Date Published
1974
Length
9 pages
Annotation
PROPOSES THE ADOPTION OF A CODE FOR SERIOUS OFFENSES WHICH WOULD BE ENFORGED AND PROSECUTED BY LOCAL AND STATE OFFICIALS, WITH OFFENDERS BEING HANDLED IN LOCAL CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS.
Abstract
THE HIGH MOBILITY OF THE POPULATION IS CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT FACTOR POINTING UP THE DESIRABILITY OF A NATIONALLY UNIFORM CRIMINAL CODE EMPHASIZING SERIOUS OFFENSES. IT IS MAINTAINED THAT PERSONS MOVING ABOUT IN THE UNITED STATES SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO WIDE VARIATIONS IN CRIME DEFINITIONS AND PENALTIES. IT IS FELT THAT A PROCEDURE FOR DEFINING SERIOUS CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR ON A NATIONAL SCALE WOULD PROVIDE FOR A MORE EFFICIENT UPDATING OF THE LAW IN THE LIGHT OF SOCIAL CHANGE. THE MINIMIZATION OF SENTENCE DISPARITY FROM STATE TO STATE AND A REDUCTION IN THE PROBLEMS OF INTERSTATE RENDITION ARE CONSIDERED TO BE BENEFITS OF A NATIONAL CODE. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT A SERIOUS OFFENSE BE ANY FOR WHICH THE PENALTY COULD BE LOSS OF LIFE OR INCARCERATION FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR.