PITTSBURGH (PA) GOALS - NOTES ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM - UNIVERSITY URBAN INTERFACE PROGRAM

• NCJ Number: 58560
• Author(s): J NEHNEVAJSA
• Date Published: 1971
• Length: 10 pages
• Contract Number(s): OEG-2-9-480725-1027
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare
• Corporate Author: University of Pittsburgh
• Sale Source: Eric Document Reproduction Service
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: PAPER PREPARED FOR PRESENTATION AT UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, COMMUNITY-UNIVERSITY FORUM ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE, NOVEMBER 18, 1971

Annotation

THE UNIVERSITY URBAN INTERFACE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH STUDIED LONG-RANGE GOALS FOR THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. REFORM IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT GOALS.

Abstract

FROM AMONG A NUMBER OF CHANGES STUDIED, LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT, LAW, AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY CONSIDERED CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM AS ONE OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY ITEMS. MAJOR SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCH REFORM INCLUDE (1) A COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF THE BAIL SYSTEM, (2) AN ADEQUATE PUBLIC DEFENDER SYSTEM, (3) REORGANIZATION OF THE COURTS, (4) ELIMINATION OF THE BACKLOG OF CASES, (5) REHABILITATIVE RATHER THAN PUNITIVE JUSTICE, AND (6) STANDARDIZATION OF PENALTIES AND SENTENCES FOR SIMILAR CRIMES AND OFFENSES. SOME LEADERS EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR BETTER PROVISIONS IN THE WHOLE SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE FOR THE POOR AND LESS EDUCATED CITIZENS. ANOTHER OBJECTIVE DESIRED WAS BETTER ACCESS TO LEGAL SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME PERSONS. ALTHOUGH REFORMS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WERE HIGH DESIRED, COMMUNITY LEADERS DID NOT EXPECT THEM TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--PRG)