CRJ Chapter 12

Informal Social Controls

Influences like family, religion, and peer relationships that encourage lawful behavior without official measures. 

External Coercion

Employing fear or force, such as policing or severe sentencing, to compel adherence to laws.

Voluntary Compliance

Following laws based on personal values rather than external threats or fear.

Procedural Justice

Fair treatment by justice agencies fostering trust and promoting lawful behavior.

Mature Out

Ceasing criminal activities naturally with age and increased responsibilities.

Legitimacy

Public perception of justice institutions as fair, trustworthy, and worthy of respect.

Lawfulness

Adherence to legal frameworks by individuals and organizations.

Citizen Cooperation

Public assistance in law enforcement efforts, like crime reporting and evidence sharing.

Distributive Justice

Fairness in the outcomes of legal processes, such as sentencing decisions.

Punitive Strategies

Crime deterrence methods using severe penalties or enforcement threats.

Prediction Problem

The difficulty in identifying offenders who would most benefit from specific rehabilitative programs.

Perceived Legitimacy

Confidence in the fairness and integrity of justice institutions.

Police Legitimacy

Public recognition of law enforcement as fair and deserving of cooperation.

Disrespectful Policing

Practices lacking transparency and fairness, eroding trust in law enforcement.

Judicial Supervision

Judges actively monitoring offender progress in mandated programs. 

Incremental Improvements

Steady, measurable advancements indicating positive change.

Perceptions of Fairness

Public interpretation of how they are treated by the justice system, influencing trust. 

Victims’ Services (VS)

Organizations aiding crime victims with support and guidance during legal processes.

Confidence in Effectiveness

Public belief in the ability of the justice system to deliver fair outcomes.

Meta-Analysis

Comprehensive studies analyzing data from multiple sources to assess intervention success.

Procedurally Just Dialogue

Transparent and respectful communication reinforcing trust in the justice system.

Perception of Injustice

Feeling that legal processes are biased or unfair, reducing public trust.

Legitimacy Gap

Disparities in perceptions of fairness among racial or ethnic communities.

Police Accountability

Mechanisms ensuring ethical and legal compliance in law enforcement practices.

De-escalation

Techniques used by officers to defuse potentially volatile situations peacefully.

Early Intervention Systems (EIS)

Tools analyzing law enforcement behavior to address misconduct patterns.

Fair and Impartial Policing

Training designed to minimize unconscious bias and ensure equitable treatment.

Citizen Complaint Procedures

Established methods for addressing grievances about police conduct.

Mediation

Facilitated discussions that allow conflicting parties to voice concerns without assigning fault.

Victims’ Voice Laws

Legislation granting crime victims a role in decisions like sentencing or parole.

Mass Incarceration

Policies contributing to widespread imprisonment, often with disproportionate impacts.

Alternative Sentences

Non-custodial punishments, like community service, aimed at reducing prison dependency.

Prohibition

The U.S. ban on alcohol (1920–1933), which weakened public compliance with laws. 

War on Drugs

Drug enforcement policies criticized for racial inequities and due process violations.

Marijuana Legalization

State-level laws allowing medical or recreational cannabis use, reflecting shifting public opinion.

Explain Walker’s reasoning for Proposition 34: Enhancing legitimacy is an important, and indeed necessary, strategy for reducing crime. 

Enhancing legitimacy in the criminal justice system is crucial for reducing crime. Legitimacy is influenced by how well criminal laws align with societal values, as seen in historical examples like Prohibition, where conflicting laws undermined respect for the legal system. Contemporary issues, such as racial disparities in drug law enforcement and changing attitudes toward marijuana, further highlight this disconnect. Revising drug policies to reduce penalties for marijuana possession could address these disparities, decrease felony convictions, and strengthen the justice system's legitimacy.