IMPROVING CRIMINAL JUSTICE - A CONSUMER'S PERSPECTIVE

• NCJ Number: 25560
• Journal: Judicature Volume: 58 Issue: 7 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1975) Pages: 345-349
• Author(s): G M CAPLAN
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: American Judicature Soc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS ARTICLE BRIEFLY DESCRIBES SEVERAL LEAA RESEARCH PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO MAKE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF VICTIMS, WITNESSES, JURORS, AND TRIAL PARTICIPANTS.

Abstract

IT IS NOTED THAT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TOO OFTEN OPERATES TO SERVE ITS OWN NEEDS, IGNORING CITIZENS - THE CONSUMERS OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES. AS THE RESEARCH CENTER OF LEAA, THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE HAS PLANNED MANY PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO CITIZENS. AMONG THESE ARE PROGRAMS TO INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF INVOLVING VICTIMS IN THE PLEA BARGAINING PROCESS, TO STUDY THE CREATION OF A VICTIM OMBUDSMAN, TO STUDY TREATMENT OF RAPE VICTIMS, AND TO INVESTIGATE VICTIM COMPENSATION PLANS. STUDIES OF WITNESS COOPERATION AND JURY OPERATIONS ARE ALSO DESCRIBED. IN BOTH CASES, IT IS NOTED THAT MUCH COULD BE DONE TO PROVIDE A MORE POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR THE CITIZEN. APPROACHES TO REDUCING COURT DELAY AND STUDIES WHICH WILL INVESTIGATE CORRECTIONAL THEORY AND PROGRAMMING ARE ALSO DISCUSSED.