NCJ Number
89036
Editor(s)
J Dator,
C Bezold
Date Published
1981
Length
149 pages
Annotation
Futurists participating in this conference discuss the changing nature of society and how it will affect the legal and judicial systems. They emphasize the impact of the new technologies and the need for future-oriented planning.
Abstract
Alvin Toffler argues that the present crisis in law and order is occurring in all industrial societies going through similar, technologically driven social transformations. Material and cultural fragmentation is enhancing rather than suppressing differences in society. The judicial system must be shaped to meet these changes. Another author suggests that the Prosecutor's Management Information System (PROMIS) is one example of how the new technology can be used to improve the criminal justice system. Others favor decriminalization of minor crimes (i.e., shoplifting, drunken driving) and tolerance of deviance along with complete reform of the adversarial system of justice. The legal system is seen as an outdated 18th century invention so out of touch with technologically complex society as to be a major threat to democracy. Hawaii is cited as one State that is developing a systematic approach to the future through a planning mechanism to identify and monitor major social trends and their impacts. A futures-research approach to tort reform is also suggested. Most papers include notes and references. For individual articles, see NCJ 89037-41.