NCJ Number
96036
Date Published
1984
Length
139 pages
Annotation
Using the findings of recent criminological investigations and research study as well as the impact of criminal justice policy, a criminologist presents the central issues in crime and justice concisely and in lay language.
Abstract
Each chapter is organized around an issue and includes basic facts and a reference list. Topics include how concerned we should be about crime, trends in crime over time, whether the criminal justice system is really a system, what happens to those accused of crimes, who decides what is illegal, what constitutional protections exist for those accused of crimes, whether the death penalty deters murderers, and whether more police will mean less crime. Other issues discussed are whether having more prosecutors will eliminate plea bargaining, the adequacy of criminal defense, how courts decide cases, and whether sentences are becoming more lenient. Tables, a figure, and an index are supplied