CRIME AND THE COURTS

• NCJ Number: 27039
• Author(s): J SHARNIKSHARNIK J
• Date Published: 1971
• Length: 0 pages
• Corporate Author: Columbia Broadcasting System
• Sale Source: Not Available Through National Institute of Justice/NCJRS Document Loan Program
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 40 MINUTES, B&W, 1971 COURTS

Annotation

THIS FILM, LAST IN A THREE-PART SERIES OF 'CBS REPORTS' DOCUMENTARIES ON JUSTICE IN AMERICA, PRESENTS A CASE STUDY OF CITIZEN AND COURT REACTION TO THE RISING CRIME RATE IN DENVER, COLORADO.

Abstract

CBS CORRESPONDENT ERIC SEVAREID NARRATES THE EXAMINATION OF THE DENVER SITUATION, IN WHICH THE PUBLIC DEMANDED HARSHER PUNISHMENT OF OFFENDERS, WHITE COURT JUDGES OPTED FOR REHABILITATIVE CORRECTIONS, DEEMPHASIZING INCARCERATION, AND INCREASING SENTENCES OF PROBATION. EXPLORED IS THE CITIZENS' CHARGE OF COURT LENIENCY AND PERMISSIVENESS, ESPECIALLY JUVENILE OFFENDERS. INTERVIEWED ARE JUDGES, SCHOOL OFFICIALS, JUVENILE OFFENDERS, AND OTHER DENVER CITIZENS. ALSO EXAMINED IS THE OPERATION OF A VOLUNTEER PROBATION COUNSELOR PROGRAM, IN WHICH COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS SERVE AS PROBATION OFFICERS ON A ONE-TO-ONE BASIS FOR MISDEMEANOR RECIDIVISTS IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THEIR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY FROM ESCALATING TO FELONIES. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT ALTHOUGH THE COURTS ARE ATTEMPTING TO COPE WITH THE CRIME PROBLEM, IT IS BEING HAMPERED BY DEALS AND DELAYS WHICH WIDEN THE GAP BETWEEN IDEALS AND REALITY.