Crime and the Justice System
Rationality and Irrationality in Public Policy
I. Opening Considerations (James Q. Wilson interview)
A. Problems of Measurement and Definition
1. Trends in Reported Crime Rates
B. Policy Alternatives
1. Two Models
a. Due Process Model
b. Crime Control Model (Classical Punishment Theory)
2. Deterrence as Rational Policy
3. Apprehension
4. Punishment - Purposes
a. Retribution
b. General Deterrence
c. Specific Deterrence
d. Incapacitation
e. Rehabilitation
5. Punishment as Deterrence - Effectiveness Depends on:
a. Certainty
b. Swiftness
c. Severity
6. Capital Punishment
a. Statistics
b. Arguments: pro: #1, #2,; con: #1, #2
C. Types of Crimes
1. Based on Seriousness
a. Ordinance Violations
b. Misdemeanors
c. Felonies
4. Crimes Against Property
5. Crimes Against Persons
6. Terrorism
II. Causes and Encouragements of Crime
A. Legal Definitions
B. Freedom
C. Social Heterogeneity
D. Limited Police Powers
E. Social Inequities
F. Access to Goods
G. High Percentage of Teenage Males
H. Rapid Social Change
I. Drug Culture
J. Media Attention
III. Police and Law Enforcement
A. Police Structures (Local)
B. Police Functions
1. Enforcing Laws
2. Keeping Peace
3. Solving Crimes
4. Providing Services
B. Police Discretion
C. Federal Agencies
IV. Crime and Courts (Summary Information on Crime in the U.S.; Format of a Criminal Trial)
A. Charge Dismissals
B. Prison Statistics (trends)
C. Evidence Issues
1. Confessions
2. Search and Seizure
D. Plea Bargaining (arguments: pro; con)
V. Gun Regulations and Crime
A. Federal Laws (summary; documents and proposed legislation)
B. Firearms and Crime Statistics
Key Web Sites
2000 Data on Law Enforcement, Courts and Prisons
Crime and Justice: Federal Statistics
Megalinks for Criminal Justice