NCJ Number
52950
Date Published
1977
Length
0 pages
Annotation
ALTHOUGH THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN IS UNLIKELY TO BECOME A CONVICTED CRIMINAL, THIS FILM STRIP AND AUDIOCASSETTE UNIT INDICATES THAT THE PROBLEMS OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AFFECT EVERYONE.
Abstract
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE POLICE IS THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CRIMINAL LAWS WITHIN THE LIMITATIONS OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. THESE LIMITATIONS APPLY TO THE DEGREE OF FORCE WHICH POLICE MAY USE AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH POLICE MAY GATHER EVIDENCE AND INFORMATION THAT WILL BE PERMITTED IN COURT. VARIANCE IN THE SAFEGUARDING OF RIGHTS CHALLENGES THE FAIR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. SUCH VARIANCE MAY BE THE RESULT OF BOTH POLICE AND PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION AND PRIORITIES ESTABLISHED BECAUSE OF LIMITED RESOURCES AND CASE OVERLOAD. ATTEMPTS TO ACCOMODATE THE OFFENDER'S RIGHT TO SPEEDY TRIAL MAY RESULT IN PRESUMPTION OF A SUSPECT'S GUILT AND SUBSEQUENT PRESSURE TO PLEA BARGAIN. JUDICIAL SENTENCING VARIATIONS ALSO AFFECT THE INDIVIDUAL'S ENTITLEMENT TO FAIR TRIAL. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, FURTHERMORE, ARE COSTLY FOR EACH TAXPAYER, BUT USUALLY FAIL IN THEIR ATTEMPT TO REHABILITATE AND, IN FACT, INGRAIN IN THE INMATES A TENDENCY TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. MINIMUM SECURITY PRISONS USED FOR CONVICTS AT THE END OF THEIR SENTENCES ARE MORE EFFECTIVE FOR PREPARING INMATES FOR RELEASE. CONTACT WITH FREE CITIZENS AND ADVANCED EDUCATION ARE ENCOURAGED WITHIN THE INSTITUTIONS EXAMINED. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (TWK).