Survey of Criminal Justice[WORK IN PROGRESS] Survey of Criminal Justice is an online text being developed by the editors of IEJS as a free resource to the justice community. The text is scheduled for completion in August 2005. We have decided to place chapters online in their error-prone and unpolished form such that the larger justice community can provide feedback. We welcome and encourage your comments and criticisms in these early stages. We also welcome knowledgeable scholars to submit chapter proposals. Editorial Ideology There are several reasons why we decided to compile an introductory text. First, it will provide a systematic guide to the larger IEJS collection. We intend to fully cross reference more in-depth content available on this and other sites. Second, we perceived some problems with the current state of criminal justice textbooks. There are many very good texts currently in print. The problem lies in the fact that they cover such a vast amount of information that it becomes difficult to see the "big picture." We hope that a "bare-bones" introduction to the American justice system will provide a convenient, easily grasped staring point for those embarking on a more in-depth and lengthy study. Tentative OutlineThe Chapter Titles below link to works in progress provided for feedback to the editors only. Please do not cite them or depend on the accuracy of information contained therein. Chapter 1: Introduction to Criminal Justice A. What is Criminal Justice?
B. Structure of the American Justice System C. The Justice Process
D. The Juvenile Justice System E. The Role of Citizens in Criminal Justice F. The Role of Individual Rights G. Discretion H. Criminal Justice as a Field of Study Chapter 2: Theoretical Foundations A. The Philosophical Approach B. The Merger of Natural Law and Christian Faith C. Birth of the Social Contract D. The Decline of Natural Law E. Metaphysics Revisited F. The Emergence of Positivism G. Paradigm Shift: From Natural Law to Natural Selection A. Deterrence Theory B. Labeling Theory C. Social Disorganization Theory D. Anomie and Strain Theory E. Subculture Theories F. Conflict Theories G. Theory Integration A. Defining Crime B. The Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) C. UCR Offense Definitions D. The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) E. Debunking Crime Myths F. National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) G. Guns and Crime Chapter 5: Criminal Law A. Sources of the Law
B. Characteristics of Criminal Law
C. Elements of Crimes
D. Defenses and Justification
E. The Limits of the Law Chapter 6: Policing A. The Development of American Policing
B. Police Functions
C. Problems in Policing
Chapter 7: Procedural Law A. Criminal Procedure and the Constitution B. The Right to Privacy C. Self-incrimination D. Punishing Police Misconduct: the Exclusionary Rule E. Pretrial Rights F. Trial Rights G. Post Trial Rights Chapter 8: The Criminal Courts A. State Courts B. Federal Courts C. Problems with the Courts D. Prosecutors E. Defense Attorneys Chapter 9: Sentencing A. Theories of Punishment B. Types of Sentences C. Sentencing Statutes and Guidelines D. The Death Penalty Chapter 10: Community Corrections
Chapter 11: Jails and Prisons
Chapter 12: The Juvenile Justice System A. Development of a Separate Juvenile System B. Juveniles and Police C. Juveniles and the Courts D. Treatment and Punishment E. Debunking Juvenile Justice Myths Chapter 13: Technology and Crime A. Computer Crime B. Police Technology Chapter 14: Forensic Science A. Defining Forensic Science B. Types of Evidence
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