Date of Award
4-9-2003
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Stephen Cobb
Abstract
Who is responsible for the crime rate in our society? Is it a personal problem that the offenders need to figure out, or is it one that society should take responsibility for? Regardless of whose problem it is, something needs to be done if members of society are going to live productive, safe lives. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 70 percent of released offenders will be back in prison three years after their release (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/reentry/reentry.htm). There are many reasons for this appalling statistic. I will attempt to give you a brief overview of the reasons behind crime, including the biggest problem encouraging crime in today's society. I will also look at how the U.S. has determined to treat criminals. There are three main justice systems. This paper will look at which of these justice systems has worked and which have failed. Quite obviously, with a 70 percent recidivism rate, our current measures are inadequate.
Recommended Citation
Hegar, Kristen, "The United States Justice System" (2003). Honors Projects and Presentations: Undergraduate. 338.
https://mosaic.messiah.edu/honors/338
