National Symposium on Pretrial Services 1978 - Introduction and Plenary Session - Pretrial in Perspective, Parts 1 and 2

• NCJ Number: 81922
• Author(s): M Crohn; R Garcia; W Drake; R Tropp; G Mendez; D Doyle
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 76-ED-99-0031
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: Not Available Through National Institute of Justice/NCJRS Document Loan Program
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 2 videotapes, total running time 1 hour 36 minutes, color, 1 inch tape - Symposium held in San Diego, California on April 3-5, 1978. See NCJ-81932-81937 for videotapes and NCJ-52200 for published proceedings.

Annotation

The introductory session emphasizes pretrial practitioners' special responsibility to improve ways of protecting defendants' rights, particularly in the face of today's economic climate. Panel members then discuss strategies for cooperating with State legislators, prosecutors, and judges to effect change in the pretrial system.

Abstract

Pretrial practitioners must see their role within the broader societal context (the environment) that affects both defendants and pretrial agencies. They must understand the different focus on perspective of other public servants and public interest groups. Although pretrial programs have had significant impact and are well-established, their direction must be analyzed before further experiments are attempted. Whether judges rely too heavily on agency recommendations and whether diversion is undermined if prosecutors divert poor risks from the system should be investigated. Pretrial programs can be improved through cost analysis, staff training, and liaisons with employment and welfare agencies. Keeping people out of the criminal justice system through Federal assistance for education, employment, health care, urban renewal, and crime control is the focus of the Urban League. To improve pretrial legislature cooperation, pretrial practitioners must 'know' their legislators, be aware that legislators respond more quickly to crises, and avoid requesting additional funds ('shift' monies instead). Pretrial agencies can also play a role in convincing judges and prosecutors that their decisions have significant impact on defendants' lives. Opening remarks are made by a mayoral assistant and the Director of the Pretrial Services Resource Center. Panel members include a consultant, a State legislator, and representatives from the National Urban League and the National League of Cities.