Militarization of Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice System

A comprehensive review of key concepts related to the militarization of law enforcement and aspects of the criminal justice system.

Militarization of the Police

The practice of promoting the use of military force as a solution to law enforcement issues.

1033 Program

A program that transfers excess military weapons from the US military to local/state law enforcement.

Direct Militarization

The use of armed forces for domestic police work, such as deploying the National Guard during crises.

Indirect Militarization

The encouragement of local police departments acquiring military-grade weapons through programs like the 1033 Program.

Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT)

A specialized police unit intended to handle high-risk operations such as hostage situations and active shooters.

Protest Policing

The management of protests, balancing the protection of legal order and the rights of citizens for political participation.

Warrior-Minded Police Culture

A police culture characterized by viewing officers as adversaries to the public, fostering a "us vs them" mentality.

Guardian-Minded Police Culture

A police culture focused on building trust and engaging in positive interactions with the community.

Indeterminate Sentencing

A sentencing structure that includes a range of years, combining both minimum and maximum sentences.

Plea Bargains

Negotiations between prosecutors and defense attorneys where defendants may plead guilty for reduced charges or sentences.

Gideon v. Wainwright

A landmark case that established the right to an attorney for defendants unable to afford one.

Indigent Defense

Legal defense provided to defendants who cannot afford an attorney, crucial for ensuring fair trials.

Argersinger v. Hamlin

A case establishing that defendants have a right to counsel for misdemeanors that could lead to imprisonment.

Sentencing Guidelines

Rules used to limit judges' discretion in determining sentences, often to ensure consistency and fairness.

Charge Bargaining

A negotiation where a defendant pleads guilty to lesser charges in exchange for dropping more serious ones.

Fact Bargaining

A plea negotiation where both sides agree on a specific version of facts to present in court, often to lessen the sentence.