NCJ Number
53684
Date Published
1977
Length
204 pages
Annotation
TESTIMONY REGARDING FEDERAL LEGISLATION INTENDED TO REDUCE FEDERAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM COSTS AND FEDERAL COURT CRIMINAL CASELOADS THROUGH A PROGRAM OF DIVERSION IS RECORDED.
Abstract
THE TESTIMONY WAS PRESENTED BEFORE THE U.S. SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON IMPROVEMENTS IN JUDICIAL MACHINERY IN CONNECTION WITH A BILL INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE IN 1977. THE BILL PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR CERTAIN PERSONS CHARGED WITH NONVIOLENT (AND IN SELECTED INSTANCES VIOLENT) OFFENSES AGAINST THE UNITED STATES AND PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SYSTEM OF FEDERAL DIVERSION PROGRAMS. THE PURPOSE OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE HEARINGS WAS TO EXPLORE PROBLEMS IN RELATING THE DIVERSION CONCEPT TO THE FEDERAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, AND TO ESTABLISH A PLAN FOR EVALUATING FEDERAL DIVERSION PROGRAMS. WITNESSES PRESENT TESTIMONY PERTAINING TO ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTS OF DIVERSION AND PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING DIVERSION, AS WELL AS TO METHODOLOGICAL FLAWS AND CONCEPTUAL BIASES THAT HAVE LIMITED PAST ATTEMPTS TO EVALUATE DIVERSION PROGRAMS. PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THE EXPERIENCES OF STATE DIVERSIONARY PROGRAMS AND OF 10 FEDERAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS FUNDED UNDER THE SPEEDY TRIAL ACT. WITNESSES INCLUDE JUDGES, PROSECUTORS, PROBATION OFFICERS, LEGAL SCHOLARS, DIVERSION PROJECT HEADS, AND EVALUATORS OF DIVERSION PROJECTS. A COPY OF THE BILL IN QUESTION IS INCLUDED.