1.8 Chapter Conclusion
Summary
This chapter lays the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and dynamic nature of the criminal justice system. Starting with a review of the historical roots and philosophical frameworks, it examines the fundamental elements that have played a pivotal role in shaping the current landscape of the criminal justice field.
Furthermore, this chapter underscores the criminal justice system’s goal of continuous improvement, which is driven by a commitment to adapt and respond to the complicated challenges and demands present in contemporary society. It exemplifies ways in which societal values and norms have molded the criminal justice system, a reflection of the ever-changing needs and expectations of the community it serves.
Beyond examining the evolution of the criminal justice system, this chapter highlights the multifaceted nature of its components so to set the stage for a nuanced investigation of the various agencies, processes, and institutions that together form the U.S. criminal justice system. By contextualizing this complex web, readers gain insight into the interconnection of different elements in criminal justice. This understanding is essential for navigating the complexities of the system and comprehending how its various facets work in concert.
As you progress through subsequent chapters, this foundational knowledge will serve as a basis for a more in-depth exploration of the dynamic and ever-evolving field of criminal justice, thus enabling a critical analysis and enhanced engagement with the material discussed throughout the textbook.
Review Questions
- In the ____________ perspective, criminal behavior diverges from the shared values and beliefs upheld by the collective society.
- The ___________ perspective contends that criminal law is predominantly influenced by a select few elites within society rather than a product of the collective will of the entire society.
- Within the realm of criminal justice, what predominant factors contribute to the challenge of striking a balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding individual rights?
- Explore and analyze the six perspectives of justice delineated in this chapter, outlining both their commonalities and distinctions. Clearly express your personal position regarding the perspectives you find agreeable, as well as the perspectives you find less agreeable, and provide reasoning to substantiate your positions.
- What specific factors do prosecutors consider when determining whether to accept or reject a case?
- What are the primary functions, roles, and responsibilities of state patrol police agencies, and how do they contribute to ensuring public safety in their respective jurisdictions?
- Examine the advantages and disadvantages of a decentralized criminal justice system.
- How does the Picket Fence Model illustrate the intricate dynamics and interwoven nature of the U.S. criminal justice system?
- What factors might contribute to the underreporting of felony crimes, and how does this dynamic intersect with the relationship between the community and local police?
- Analyze the Wedding Cake Model and investigate how news and social media contribute to shaping public perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system, with particular focus on how police officers are portrayed and the media’s tendency to report certain crimes more prominently.
- Discuss the role of ethnicity and social status on the frequency of news and media coverage, particularly in the context of an ongoing missing person or missing child investigation.
