Desirability of Goal Conflict Within the Criminal Justice System

• NCJ Number: 79245
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: (1981) Pages: 209-218
• Author(s): K N Wright
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Revised version of a paper presented at the meetings of the Academy of Criminal Justice Science, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 14-16, 1979.

Annotation

It is argued that criminal justice exists in a sociopolitical environment in which diverse groups exercise influence in accordance with their own interests. It is highly unlikely that a single set of values could be identified upon which to base a monolithic system. It is further argued that goal conflict within criminal justice is desirable in that different interests can be reflected, there is a basis for system adaptation and change, and the system can better promote the smooth processing of offenders.

Abstract

A pervasive interest in the creation of a monolithic system for the administration of justice which is characterized by the lack of fragmentation and goal conflict is found throughout the criminal justice literature. This paper questions the basis and desirability of such a proposal. (Author abstract)