Criminal Justice Systems, Crime Measurement, and U.S. Crime Trends

What is the primary goal of the Criminal Justice System (CJS)?

To maintain social order by creating laws and managing those who violate them.

What are the three main components of the CJS?

Law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

What role does law enforcement play in the CJS?

Investigating crimes and arresting individuals.

What is the function of the courts in the CJS?

Interpreting and applying the law.

How does the corrections component of the CJS protect society?

By housing, monitoring, and providing community-based programs for offenders.

What is the significance of the 'war on drugs' in relation to the CJS?

It has contributed to a huge increase in incarceration rates.

What is the current estimated number of individuals supervised by the correctional system?

5.4 million.

How do incarceration rates differ between genders?

Men are incarcerated at a rate of 666 per 100,000, while women are at 49 per 100,000.

Which racial group is more likely to be incarcerated in the U.S.?

Black individuals are more likely to be incarcerated than white individuals.

What is the crime control perspective of the CJS?

It focuses on preventing crime through harsh punishment and effective law enforcement.

What does the rehabilitative perspective of the CJS emphasize?

The role of the system is to rehabilitate individuals and provide opportunities for improvement.

What is the due process perspective in the context of the CJS?

Ensuring that all accused individuals are treated fairly and equally.

What is restorative justice?

A perspective that seeks to repair harm caused by criminal behavior through cooperation among victims, offenders, and the community.

What constitutes a crime?

The breaking of a law for which the CJS prescribes punishment.

What are crimes against persons?

Relatively common and serious crimes involving a victim and an offender, such as homicide and robbery.

What percentage of nonfatal crimes are committed by someone the victim knows?

62%.

What is the definition of property crime?

Crimes such as burglary, arson, vandalism, and trespassing, which are more common than violent crimes.

What are victimless crimes?

Crimes that do not directly harm individuals, such as drug use and prostitution.

What is white-collar crime?

Crimes committed by individuals of high social status, such as bribery and mortgage fraud.

Why is crime measured?

To provide information on the extent and nature of crime, evaluate policies, and identify trends.

What is the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program?

A program by the FBI that collects data on reported crimes from law enforcement agencies.

What are Part I and Part II crimes in the UCR?

Part I includes serious crimes like murder and robbery; Part II includes less serious offenses like fraud.

What is the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)?

A system that gathers detailed crime data, distinguishing between attempted and completed crimes.

What is the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)?

A survey that collects data on personal and property victimization from individuals aged 12 and older.

What are some limitations of the UCR?

It may not capture all crimes, only reports the most serious offense, and participation is not mandatory.

What trend has been observed in violent crime rates since the 1990s?

Violent crime rates have generally decreased since peaking in the 1990s.

What is the most common form of nonfatal violence?

Simple assault.

What percentage of violent crimes involve firearms?

Firearms are involved in approximately 73% of homicides.

Where do most violent crimes occur?

Most violent crimes occur at home.