This study examined inmate perceptions on what is important in appropriately communicating concepts covering the American criminal justice system to children of incarcerated parents. Inmates interviewed at two facilities in Arkansas claimed that they knew little about meanings or consequences of their actions before and after indictment.…

The forensic use of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is demonstrating significant success as a crime-solving tool. However, numerous concerns have been raised regarding the potential for DNA use to contravene cultural, ethical, and legal codes. In this article the expectations and level of knowledge of the New Zealand public of the DNA data-bank and…

Injustice affects us all, whether we are directly or indirectly touched by it. For example, if a rapist is never convicted of his crime because the victim has a disability and is not considered a credible witness in court, he will not be prosecuted and will go on raping without fear of the consequences... and the next victim could be your child,…

The history of risk assessment in criminal justice has been written on several occasions. In this article, the authors assess progress since Andrews, Bonta, and Hoge's statement of the human service principles of risk-need-responsivity (RNR) and professional discretion. The review is conducted in the context of the advent of the fourth generation…

Presents a secondary lesson in which students examine the goals of corrective justice and the differences between wrongs and injuries. Includes two critical thinking exercises based on case studies, a cartoon designed to stimulate student thinking, and a student worksheet. (CFR)

Much attention has been given to the problem of sexual predators and the struggles of the legal-justice system to contain them. In response to public outcry over high-profile sex crimes, federal and state legislators have responded in the past decade with innovative but controversial public policy initiatives, called "sexually violent predator…