NCJ Number
151589
Journal
World and I Dated: (April 1994) Pages: 20-43
Date Published
1994
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This document contains several articles addressing various issues raised by violence in America.
Abstract
Politicians and communities are scrambling to come up with solutions. The number of Americans altering their behavior because of crime or fear of crime has risen. Reasons cited by Michael Hedges include early release of criminals, the proliferation of plea bargaining, the lack of values and education, and a breakdown in respect for authority. These articles also address some solutions offered for the violence problem. David Ridenour discusses the anticrime package that would tighten gun control and put additional police on the streets advocated by President Clinton. He also refers to the proposal by Republicans who urge harsher sentences, including the death penalty for major drug pushers. A brief discussion of how other nations are attempting to deal with crime is presented. Laurin Wollan proposes a two-track approach to control violent crime -- punishment beginning with a series of measures, punitive but not brutal, that parents and teachers must employ so that prisons will be less necessary later on; prevention measures including more police on patrol and more prison space. Joey Merrill discusses the vigilante society and the cost of crime to society. Charles Colson discusses the need to inculcate character and values in young people to reduce crime.