NCJ Number
227092
Editor(s)
Barry Krisberg,
Susan Marchionna,
Christopher Baird
Date Published
2007
Length
325 pages
Annotation
Marking the centennial year of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD), this collection of essays and original research studies reflects the varied spectrum of philosophies and concerns of the board and staff of the NCCD.
Abstract
The five chapters of Part I are authored by the five persons who have been presidents of the NCCD. Charles L. Chute (1923) addresses the introduction of the scientific method and its findings to the response to crime and criminals. Will C Turnladh (1958) critiques the Model Penal Code sentencing proposals. Joan Potter (1975) reviews the 43 years of reform led by Milton Rector, who became the NCCD executive director in 1958, and led efforts to reduce reliance on imprisonment. Diana R. Gordon (1981) responds to selected recommendations of U.S. Attorney General William French Smith's Task Force on Violent Crime, established in 1981, arguing that the Task Force's proposed reforms would not reduce violent crime and would be socially and economically costly. Barry Krisberg (2004) challenges the politics of the "war against the young." The four chapters of Part II advocate for a separate system of justice for children. Chapters address the need for a distinctive system of processing and response to juvenile delinquency and crime, the use of the Youth Service Bureau as a key to delinquency prevention, the work of the California Youth Authority, and the creation of effective juvenile justice systems. The five chapters of Part III focus on the need for and the features of alternatives to mass incarceration. The four chapters of Part IV provide direction for breaking the cycle of violence; and the seven chapters of Part V explore the link between social justice and criminal justice. Issues addressed include racial discrimination in sentencing, organizing for community policing, and capital punishment. Chapter tables, notes, appendixes, and references, and a subject index