NCJ Number
14720
Journal
Criminologist Volume: 8 Issue: 27 Dated: (WINTER 1973) Pages: 52-57
Date Published
1973
Length
6 pages
Annotation
WHILE THE WELFARE OF INDIVIDUALS IS IMPORTANT, THE REAL AIM OF THE SOCIAL DEFENSE SERVICES (POLICE, COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS) SHOULD BE TO DEFEND SOCIETY AGAINST ANTISOCIAL INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS.
Abstract
SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF BRITISH ANTI-SOCIAL DEFENDER BEHAVIOR AND COMMENTARY ARE CITED. THE AUTHOR NOTES THAT A BREACH OF RULES BY A POLICE OFFICER IS TAKEN AS A CONDEMNATION OF THE SYSTEM. ON THE OTHER HAND, A MURDER, ROBBERY OR RAPE IS ASSUMED TO BE AN ABERRATION BY AN INDIVIDUAL AND NO REFLECTION ON SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. HE CONTENDS THAT THE ARGUMENT THAT SOCIETY IS IN DANGER FROM ITS DEFENDERS LACKS GOOD SENSE AND ONLY ENCOURAGES FUTURE ACTS OF LAW-BREAKING. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)