NCJ Number
85939
Date Published
1978
Length
297 pages
Annotation
This book provides an introduction to the major components of the criminal justice system -- police, courts, and corrections -- from an organizational perspective emphasizing the interrelationships of the components.
Abstract
The work seeks to explain the failures of the criminal justice system in terms of internal politics and conflict within and among the various components. The compliance analysis approach employed herein provides an excellent framework for the study of the system. In particular, it helps to provide a realistic appraisal of the system and the prospects for reform of each component. For example, the role of the police in a democratic society can be evaluated in a new light, as are various proposals for enhancing police-community relations. Compliance analysis also injects political realism into the discussion of the criminal justice system. When applied to the lower courts, it can be used to highlight the difficulties involved in attempting to bring about an end of plea bargaining. When applied to correctional agencies, it can explain the growing dissatisfaction with the rehabilitative ideal and the increased respectability now attached to the concept of simple punishment. The theme of the work is that while some reform measures are possible, there are inherent limits as to what can be accomplished by large hierarchical organizations. Extensive reference notes and bibliographical entries are included with each chapter; case and general indexes, tables, and figures are included. (Author summary modified)