NCJ Number
52561
Editor(s)
J P CONRAD
Date Published
1978
Length
168 pages
Annotation
A SAMPLE OF CRIMINOLOGICAL WORK IN PROGRESS IS PRESENTED IN THESE PAPERS DELIVERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CRIMINOLOGY IN NOVEMBER 1977.
Abstract
IN THE INTRODUCTION, IT IS NOTED THAT THE MODERN MAINSTREAM CRIMINOLOGIST IS ORIENTED TOWARD CONFIRMING OR DISCONFIRMING THE OLD IDEAS UPON WHICH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM RESTS AND ADDING TO THEM CAREFULLY RESEARCHED CONCEPTS THAT WILL ENHANCE JUSTICE AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SOCIAL CONTROL. THE FIRST PAPER ARGUES THAT ALL CRIMINOLOGY IS A MATTER OF POLITICS, REGARDLESS OF THE EFFORT OF THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOLAR TO CONTRIBUTE TO VALUE-FREE SOCIAL SCIENCE. SINCE CRIMINOLOGY AIMS AT THE IMPROVEMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, VIRTUALLY AN EXCLUSIVE ENTERPRISE OF GOVERNMENT, IT IS DEEMED IMPOSSIBLE TO WORK TOWARD THIS END WITHOUT TAKING A POLITICAL STANCE. DRUG-MARKETING INTERESTS AND STRUCTURE AND THE INFORMAL ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND THE DRUG INDUSTRY ARE SHOWN TO UNDERMINE THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN AFFORDABLE AND SAFE DRUGS IN A SECOND PAPER. IN A THIRD PAPER, VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS ARE CRITIQUED. ANOTHER PAPER EXAMINES VICTIM REACTIONS TO TWO METHODS OF INTAKE FOR JUVENILES ACCUSED OF MISDEMEANORS. A FIFTH PAPER ARGUES THAT MEDIA AND EXAGGERATED CRIME RATE STATISTICS HAVE GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THAT URBAN LIFE IS A JUNGLE, WHEN IN FACT THE CITY IS STILL, IN MOST CASES A THRIVING ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL CENTER. METHODS OF POLICE PATROL THAT CAN ENHANCE URBAN CITIZENS' FEELINGS OF SECURITY ARE SUGGESTED. TEENAGERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, THE NECESSITY FOR PLANNING CORRECTIONS POLICY, THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF PAROLE, AND A MODEL FOR AND CRITIQUE OF THE POLICY PROCESS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ARE DISCUSSED IN OTHER PAPERS. SEE ALSO NCJ 46057, 50857, 52562, 52563, 52564, 52565, 52566, 52567, AND 52568. (RCB)