1. WHAT IS CRIMINAL JUSTICE?

2. OBJECTIVE Students will be able to explain the definition and purpose of the criminal justice system. Students will be able to analyze and explain high points in crime from the 1970’s – the early 1990’s in America. Students will be able to analyze and explain current crime trends in America.

3. IN YOUR OWN WORDS Break down into your small work groups In one or two sentences each group needs to come up with their own definition of what criminal justice is, and what purpose it serves. NO CELL PHONES!

4. DEFINITION: CRIMINAL JUSTICE the system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts. Those accused of crime have protections against abuse of investigatory and prosecution powers.

7. CRIME STATISTICS 1960-2010

8. DISCUSS Why do you think there was a high point in criminal activity from about 1970 – 1990?

9. CRIME RATES TODAY The last time the crime rate for serious crime – murder, rape, robbery, assault – fell to these levels, gasoline cost 29 cents a gallon and the average income for a working American was $5,807. The crime rate, for violent and property crime, is currently decreasing, and is on track to be the lowest in more than 100 years.

10. DISCUSS What are some factors that are causing the decrease in crime in America?

11. FACTORS LEADING TO DECREASE Increased incarceration, including longer sentences, that keeps more criminals off the streets. Improved law enforcement strategies, including advances in computer analysis and innovative technology. Crack Cocaine in 1980’s The graying of America characterized by the fastest-growing segment of the US population – baby boomers – passing the age of 50

12. QUIZ Next class day, what is criminal justice? DHS 09-01-15

13. SOURCES http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2012/0109/ US-crime-rate-at-lowest-point-in-decades.-Why- America-is-safer-now http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2012/0109/ US-crime-rate-at-lowest-point-in-decades.-Why- America-is-safer-now http://leftcall.com/4557/u-s-crime-rates-1960-2010- the-facts-might-surprise-you/ http://leftcall.com/4557/u-s-crime-rates-1960-2010- the-facts-might-surprise-you/