The criminal investigative process: Toward a conceptual framework

There have been few attempts to develop a conceptual framework of the criminal investigation process. This article attempts to develop such a framework through use of a criminal act continuum to identify intervention points as these relate to investigative techniques and information sources. Criminal investigation is then considered within a political context to identify eight investigative subprocesses, each of which poses varying degrees of risk to democratic social systems.     

Should the United States adopt a national substantive criminal code for serious offenses?

This article addresses the policy question: should the United States adopt a national substantive criminal code for serious offenses? Strangely enough, this issue has never been thoroughly considered. The author suggests that the current mobility of Americans requires a fresh look at the many issues involved, a number of which are raised and discussed. His conclusion is that careful consideration of the desirability and feasibility of a national code is now overdue.     

Keeping promises: A systematic review and a new classification of gang control strategies

Purpose

We argue that inadequate frameworks to compare similar gang control strategies, and the scarcity of well-designed evaluations have hindered our ability to determine the effectiveness of existing programs. This article proposes a new typology of gang control strategies to use with logic models as tools to improve gang program evaluation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of gang control strategy evaluation reports and created a typology from the studies identified. Studies were selected on the basis of methodological quality in order to reflect only rigorous evaluations with credible research findings.

Results

Forty-five studies were selected and reviewed. Studies were classified in homogeneous categories based on the targeted population and the objective of the strategy. We infer logic models that consider the activities, outputs, and outcomes of each type of strategy.

Conclusion

A better framework for the comparison of similar studies may allow meta-analyses to be conducted, thereby improving our knowledge of what works. Logic models can move the field forward by allowing researchers to understand why some programs work and others do not. The improvement, both in quality and quantity, of program evaluation in gang research is crucial in order to move beyond claims of promising approaches.     

Mock trials: A participatory views of the criminal justice process

“The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.” (France, 1881) This quote from The Crime of Sylvester Bonnard, the first novel of the Nobel Prize Winner, Anatole France, emphasizes a primary goal of teaching: awakening and satisfying natural curiosity. While most educators might agree with France’s assessment of educational goals, there seems to be less consensus on how this goal can best be achieved. Just as teachers differ so do teaching strategies. Obviously a variety of strategies can and should be utilized to attain the goal of facilitating learning by students. One of the proven instructional methods which can be utilized is simulation. It offers the opportunity for effective instruction at all levels of education from primary grades through professional schools. In criminal justice education, the use of simulation can provide students with an exciting opportunity to experience “real world” situations in the classrooms. It offers a chance for students to satisfy their natural curiosity through role play. This article describes the development and implementation of a mock trial course at Jacksonville State University.     

Executive orders: Symbolic politics, criminal justice policy, and the American presidency

The theory of symbolic politics is used to examine presidential executive orders related to criminal justice policy. It is hypothesized that presidents use executive orders to make more of a symbolic, rather than a substantive, statement. Data were collected from the National Archives and Records Administration on all presidential executive orders from the first Eisenhower administration (1953) through the last Clinton administration (2001). A content analysis of presidential executive orders related to crime and justice offers partial support for the claim that presidents use these executive orders primarily for evoking symbols. The author would like to thank Dr. Matthew J, Franck for his review of an earlier draft of this paper and the anonymous reviewers for sharing their helpful comments.     

刑事政策的和谐化——议论我国和谐社会进程中的刑事政策改革思路

刑事政策的和谐化应当作为我国和谐社会建设进程中的刑事政策改革基本理念.刑事政策的和谐化改革应当根据不断发展的政治、经济和社会情势,通过辩证地反思现行的刑事政策,针对其中存在的突出的不适应于历史发展的问题,对现行刑事政策的基本思路进行适当的调整,对现行刑事政策的基本目标进行扩展化、深入化,对现行刑事政策的基本手段进行多元化、完整化、系统化、和谐化,并试图将刑事政策建立于人们普遍认同的基本伦理道德的基础之上,使刑事政策符合民意、引导民意,推进刑事政策的民主化,并进而配合、促进建设社会主义和谐社会的伟大进程.     

Congress and criminal justice policy making: The impact of interest groups and symbolic politics

This article explores the congressional criminal justice policy-making process in the United States, using efforts toward federal criminal-code revision and capital punishment as case examples. It examines how interest groups and symbolic politics affect criminal justice policy and thereby attempts to enhance understanding of the political realities of criminal justice policy making. Based on the findings reported here, an approach to criminal justice policy making is recommended. This approach builds on the disjointed incremental model found in the political science literature and should facilitate criminal justice policy makers in becoming more effective participants in the legislative process.     

Sympathy for the devil: state engagement with criminal organisations in furtherance of public policy

Governments have long relied on non-state actors to assist in the implementation of public policy. Legitimate elements of civil society have become familiar instruments of governance. States have also engaged criminal actors to this end. This article will note examples of state collaboration with criminal interests, from pirates turned privateers during the 17th and 18th centuries, to the patriotic hackers of today. It will discuss the strategic considerations giving rise to such engagements, the pitfalls that may beset them, and the ethical considerations that might inform the decision by a state to enlist the services of illicit organisations.