NCJ Number
161161
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper examines South Korea as a nation that is experiencing change and considers how these changes are impacting crime and criminal justice.
Abstract
Following an overview of Korea's geography, culture, and people, the authors profile South Korea's criminal justice system, including its foundation in the constitution, police structure and operations, court structure, and the correctional system. Due to its geographic proximity to Japan and China, Korea has incorporated numerous penal and legal philosophies from these countries; Western concepts have been introduced into the legal system since 1945 due to the influence of the American occupational forces stationed there. The Korean National Police is a centralized agency under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Judicial power is vested in the court system, which is an independent branch of government that consists of the Supreme Court, the appellate court, and the district and family courts. Punishment is the primary function of the corrections system, although efforts are being made to bring in new treatment and education programs for offenders. As South Korea has become more industrialized and economically prosperous, this has been attended by a rising crime rate. Factors that contribute to the crime increase are dysfunctional family relations, a high drop- out rate from school, youth leaving home to seek work, and unemployment among youth. More and more rural youth are involved in crime, as they leave home for large cities where they become involved in criminal gangs. Generally, government and the higher educational institutions of South Korea have ignored major social problems, social disorganization, deviance, and social pathology. Educators, scientists, and practitioners must cooperate to develop and implement a strategy to address criminogenic conditions in the country. 2 tables, 5 notes, and a 47-item bibliography