Dr. Terry M. Mors, Ed.D. © 2010

Mors Copyright 2010 What is the definition of crime? There are multiple definitions But basically, it is … conduct that violates criminal law, for which there is no legally accepted justification or excuse.

Mors Copyright 2010 The theme for this course is: Individual rights vs. Public order Individual Rights The desire to protect:  freedoms and privileges of citizens  respect rights of those facing criminal prosecution  individual rights advocates seek to protect personal freedoms and civil rights Public Order Recognition that:  society has a valid interest in preventing future crime, in public safety, and in reducing harm caused by crime  public order advocates believe that interests of society should take precedence over individual rights

Mors Copyright 2010 The Basis for Policy … the tension between individual rights and social responsibility forms the basis for most criminal justice policy-making activity.

Mors Copyright 2010 What is Justice? … a powerful, yet elusive phrase … principle of fairness, the ideal of moral equity…

Mors Copyright 2010 The American Criminal Justice System Core components: 1.Law Enforcement 2.Courts 3.Corrections

Mors Copyright 2010 Police Enforce laws Investigate Crimes Apprehend Offenders Reduce and Prevent Crime Maintain Public Order Ensure Community Safety Provide Emergency Services & Assist Other Agencies Protect the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of all Individuals

Mors Copyright 2010 Criminal Courts Conduct Fair and Impartial Trials Decide Criminal Cases Ensure Due Process Determine Guilt or Innocence Impose Sentences Uphold the Law Ensure Fairness in the Trial Process Protect the Rights & Freedoms of Those Being Processed Through the Criminal Justice System Provides a Check and Balance of Power by Other Criminal Justice Agencies

Mors Copyright 2010 Corrections Carry Out Sentences Imposed by the Courts Provide Safe & Humane Custody Supervise offenders (Inmates) Protect the Community Rehabilitate, Reform, and Reintegrate Convicted Offenders Back into the Community Respect the Legal and Humane Rights of the Convicted

Mors Copyright 2010 Police Investigation & Arrest Police become aware of a violation of law through either: proactive law enforcement or reactive law enforcement

Mors Copyright 2010 Police Investigation & Arrest The modern justice process begins with investigation.  Usually, police respond to calls about crimes that have been committed. Occasionally, police discover crimes in progress.  Police gather evidence at the scene and try to reconstruct events.  Arrests may occur at the scene or after an extensive investigation.

Mors Copyright 2010 Courts The U.S. Courts carries out justice. They ensure that due process take place. Judges, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, Bailiffs, Court Reporters, Juries, and Witnesses, are all a part of the courts.

Mors Copyright 2010 Due Process: Procedural Fairness The entire justice process must be conducted fairly and with equity and according to due process standards.

Mors Copyright 2010 Due Process Due process underlies the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights.

Mors Copyright 2010 Corrections Once sentenced, the “corrections” phase begins. Prisons, Jails, Community Corrections are all forms of corrections.

Mors Copyright 2010 Multiculturalism and Diversity in Criminal Justice American society is multicultural. Diverse values, perspectives, and behaviors influence the justice system.

Mors Copyright 2010 End