NCJ Number
161201
Date Published
1994
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The inherent desirability of creating a monolithic system for the administration of criminal justice deserves further consideration, since the lack of integration, coordination, and goal and technique compatibility within the criminal justice system seems to be inefficient and the criminal justice system lacks the rationality associated with systemic organization.
Abstract
Theoretical, philosophical, and structural analyses advocating a monolithic criminal justice system appear to have conveniently ignored the sociopolitical environment in which the criminal justice system exists. Further, suggestions to create a monolithic system deny the very existence of an interest structure characterized by a specific distribution of power. Therefore, to analyze the criminal justice system as if it did not exist within a sociopolitical environment seems to be particularly naive. Underlying the creation of a monolithic criminal justice system is the assumption of a compatible set of values or a single culture from which unification can proceed. In contrast, theoretical and empirical evidence indicates the existence of diverse values within the criminal justice environment. Conflicting goals within the criminal justice system promote a process of checks and balances, and fragmentation ensures no single component dominates all other components. In addition, goal conflict and fragmentation may actually support rather than hinder offender processing and promote rather than reduce criminal justice system stability. 33 references