The Criminal Justice System

Approaches to Crime Control Deterrence: the threat of punishment does deter crime if the individual knows: ▫They are likely to get caught ▫Punishment will be severe Deterrence doesn’t have that effect in the US because punishment for crime isn’t certain, swift, or severe

Approaches to Crime Control Retribution ▫Criminals are forced to pay compensation for their acts ▫Doesn’t give individuals the ability to take the law into their own hands

Incarceration Theory: Criminals that aren’t on the street cannot commit crimes 3 strikes law: if an individual violates the law 3 times, on the third time they receive life in prison

Prison rehabs Most prisons have programs to help prisoners develop social and work skills Recidivism: more than ½ of the individuals that are released end up back in jail in 3-5 years ▫Why?  Basic nature of offenders  Influences of more hardened criminals  Stigma of being an ex-con  The toughness of jail transfers over to real life

Alternatives Shock probation: part of the time served in prison, the rest on probation Community-based programs: reintroduce criminals into society ▫Half-way houses Diversion strategy: no prison, referred to a community based treatment program ▫Ideas is to reduce the stigma of being a criminal

Inequalities in the Justice System Why are some individuals treated differently? ▫Some people can’t afford good legal service ▫Crimes against whites are punished more severely ▫Victim discounting: reduces the sentence of crime directed at members of lower social classes

Inequalities in Punishments White collar crimes are more lenient than other crimes ▫Probation is given more than jail ▫If jail time is handed down:  Its shorter than the average sentence  Offenders are placed in prisons with extra amenities