Response of the Criminal Justice System to the Growing Threat of Gang Violence

• NCJ Number: 123489
• Journal: Criminal Justice Journal Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 403-422
• Author(s): J B Sibley
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article analyzes the growing problem of gang violence, and the California criminal justice system's response to such violence. Statistics are provided illustrating the extent of gang involvement in different categories of crime.

Abstract

The particular nature of gangs as an example of organized crime has created a need to reinterpret law and devise new prosecution techniques to capture those responsible for gang related illegal acts. California case law is examined to demonstrate recent responses to gang activities. California responses include allowing the admission of gang membership as character evidence in court, increase in the use of conspiracy law in prosecutions, use of expert testimony in establishing typical gang practices, and use of gang symbols to establish probable cause. California's legislative attempts to address gang activity are outlined. 145 footnotes.