Criminal Justice and Public Policy
As an issue of public policy, criminal justice has traditionally been a function of state and local governments. However, criminal justice has become an issue of increasing importance at the federal level as well.
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Significance
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In 2008, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that the U.S. rate of violent crime per 100,000 people was its lowest in the last 20 years. Despite this decline, many Americans perceive crime as a growing problem, requiring greater enforcement and longer prison terms for convicted offenders.
Features
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State and local governments bear much of the responsibility for criminal justice. Cities operate police departments, while states operate criminal court systems, law enforcement agencies and correctional systems.
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Identification
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The U.S. Constitution gives the federal government the power to tax, protect U.S. currency and regulate interstate commerce. These powers confer some criminal justice responsibilities. The federal government operates some law enforcement agencies, as well as the federal prison system.
Function
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The federal government provides criminal justice grants and other support to state and local governments, according to Guy Peters, author of "American Public Policy." Often, the assistance reflects federal priorities, such as the so-called "war on drugs."
Types
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Key issues in criminal justice policy identified by Peters include gun control, root causes of crime, juvenile crime, gangs and drugs. Increasingly, issues such as global organized crime, terrorism and illegal immigration have emerged as issues with criminal justice implications.
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References
- Photo Credit Police image by Zeno from Fotolia.com
