NCJ Number
30009
Date Published
1975
Length
222 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM COULD BE GREATLY INCREASED THROUGH DECRIMINALIZATION OF CERTAIN VICTIMLESS AND MORALS-DECENCY 'CRIMES' VIEWED AS UNDESIRABLE BY SOCIETY.
Abstract
HE CONTENDS THAT THE UP TO 90 PER CENT OF POLICE, COURT, AND CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO ENFORCING AND PUNISHING PENAL CODES IN THESE AREAS COULD, THROUGH DECRIMINALIZATION, BE FREED TO PURSUE THE REALLY SERIOUS FELONY CRIMES AND CRIMINAL OFFENDERS. TRENDS TOWARD REFORM IN THE AREAS OF PROSTITUTION, HOMOSEXUALITY, GAMBLING, OBSCENITY, ALCOHOLISM, AND DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE IDENTIFIED AND DISCUSSED. AN INDEX IS INCLUDED.