NCJ Number
66621
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THE FIRST OF A FOUR-PART SERIES ON CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN THE U.S., THIS FILMSTRIP EXAMINES CHANGING DEFINITIONS OF CRIME WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE CONFORMITY AND BEHAVIOR THAT OUR SOCIETY DEMANDS.
Abstract
THE NATURE OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR AND JUSTICE IN AMERICA IS INVESTIGATED, PARTICULARLY HOW IT REFLECTS THE CHANGING MORES AND NORMS OF OUR SOCIETY. SOCIETY DEFINES WHAT IS A CRIME; MOST CRIMES ARE ACTS WHICH POSE A DANGER TO PEOPLE. HOWEVER, OTHER CRIMES, OFTEN CALLED 'VICTIMLESS CRIMES,' ARE CONSIDERED BY MANY TO POSE NO DANGER TO PEOPLE IN GENERAL, ALTHOUGH THEY MAY HARM THOSE WHO ENGAGE IN THEM. SUCH ACTS AS GAMBLING, PROSTITUTION, AND USING ILLEGAL NARCOTICS FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY. THE DIRECTOR OF THE FBI DISAGREES WITH THIS VIEW AND STATES THAT THESE SO-CALLED VICTIMLESS CRIMES ARE RUN BY ORGANIZED CRIME AND THEREFORE POSE A REAL THREAT TO OUR SOCIETY AND THE INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN THEM. THE EXAMPLE OF PROHIBITION (THE 18TH AMENDMENT) IS CITED TO ILLUSTRATE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DEFIANCE OF THE LAW BECOMES ACCEPTED AND THE POLICE RECEIVE VERY LITTLE PUBLIC SUPPORT. CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN TO CURRENT LAWS FACING PUBLIC RESISTANCE (DRUG AND PROSTITUTION LAWS). ALSO DISCUSSED ARE WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES, SUCH AS 'SPECIAL PAYMENTS' BY LARGE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONS TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS. THE KIT CONSTAINS A COLOR FILMSTRIP AND AN AUDIO CASSETTE. FOR OTHER PARTS IN THE SERIES, SEE NCJ 66620, AND 66622-24. (PRG)