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Criminal
Justice in America
Chapter 22: Crime and the Government |
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Crime and the Federal Government Summary of the American Bar Association's Report on the Federalization of Criminal Law The Case of the Speluncean Explorers: Nine New Opinions Excerpts from a book by Peter Suber that uses a famous fictitious legal case to illustrate nine contemporary philosophies of law. What Can the Federal Government Do To Decrease Crime and Revitalize Communities? This 1998 NCJRS publication includes the opinions of several criminal justice experts who have examined Federal criminal justice assistance over the past three decades. (PDF File) Federal Policy: Civil Forfeiture Backgrounder on Forfeiture An introduction to the subject as well as links to cases, statutes, and other information about forfeiture. Drug Control and Asset Seizures: A Review of the History of Forfeiture in England and Colonial America An essay by Cecil Greek. Report on the Death of Donald Scott The District Attorney's report. American Forfeiture Law: Property Owners Meet the Prosecutor This 1992 Policy Analysis article by the Cato Institute discusses the history of forfeiture and how it has enhanced the power of government over people and their property in ways that are difficult to reconcile with long-cherished constitutional rights. Forfeiture is reasonable and it works An essay in favor of federal forfeiture laws. Austin v. U.S. (1993) U.S. Supreme Court case holding that forfeitures amounted to a fine and were therefore limited by the Eighth Amendment. U.S. v. Bajakajian (1998) U.S. Supreme Court case ruling that a criminal forfeiture can amount to an excessive fine in violation of the Eighth Amendment. U.S. v. Ursery (1996) U.S. Supreme Court case holding that it was not double jeopardy for a person to be prosecuted criminally and have property subject to civil forfeiture. Bennis v. Michigan (1996) U.S. Supreme Court caset ruling that a forfeiture law without an "innocent-owner" defense did not violate the due process clause of the 14th Amendment or the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment. Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 Congressional Record remarks of Henry Hyde and others. Gun Laws, Gun Control, and Gun Rights This guide, maintained by Jurist: The Legal Education Network, is a resource for individuals on all sides in the controversy over the legal status of guns in the United States. It includes cases, laws, news stories, articles, statistics, and links. Guns and Violence A medical doctor argues against gun control. A Well-Regulated Militia A 1996 article by Gene Garman examining the historical background of the Second Amendment. Gun Owners of America A prominent gun lobby in Washington. National Rifle Association (NRA) The most famous pro-gun organization in the United States. Handgun Control An organization that works to enact gun control legislation, but does not seek to ban guns. The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence This is the An organization advocating a ban on the sale and possession of handguns and assault weapons. Fact Sheet: Handguns This site, maintained by the American Public Health Association, contains information on the enactment of federal, state and local gun-control laws. Additional Resources on Guns and Gun Violence Links to organizations favoring gun control. The Gun-Control Debate Links to three classic Atlantic Monthly articles on gun violence: "Thinking About Crime," "Second Thoughts on the Second Amendment," and "The Story of a Gun." Liberal Legal Scholars Are Supporting The Right to Bear Arms. But Will Historians Shoot Them Down? This Lingua Franca article examines the debate among liberal scholars over the meaning of the Second Amendment. Reducing Youth Gun Violence: An Overview of Programs and Initiatives (Text) (PDF) An Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention report. Gun Control vs. Gun Rights An analysis of a gun control issue by opensecrets.org. How to Stop Mass Shootings This American Enterprise article by John R. Lott Jr. argues that banning guns will leave many victims as "sitting ducks." Taking Aim The transcript of a PBS roundtable discussion of President Clinton's executive order banning the import of over 50 types of foreign-made assault weapons. "12 Is Enough": Pro and Con This Good Housekeeping article outlines the positions of the National Rifle Association and Handgun Control, Inc., on the issue of the proposed federal one-handgun-a-month law. Brady Act The text of the Brady Act, an important gun-control law. Printz v. United States A 1997 Supreme Court case ruling that portions of the Brady Act are unconstitutional. U.S. v. Miller, 307 U.S. 174 (1939) The only U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment in the 20th century. An Attack on Crime: The State Level U.S. Sheriff Departments Links to sheriff departments across the nation. Directory of State Patrol and State Police Links to these police agencies. Yahoo! Local Police Departments Links to local police departments by state. Fighting Crime in the Trenches Testimony before a committee of the House of Representatives from a mayor, a prosecutor, and a police commissioner who have had great success in fighting crime at the local level. The New Role of State Supreme Courts California v. Greenwood (1988) U.S. Supreme Court case holding that people have no right to privacy in items left on the curb for trash collectors. Privacy of Garbage Discussion of California v. Greenwood and State v. Hempele. Race and the Criminal Justice System Links to many articles on this issue. Race and America's Justice System A commentary by Vincent Schiraldi, director of the Justice Policy Institute. The Crisis of the Young African American Male and the Criminal Justice System A study by the Sentencing Project. (PDF File) McCleskey v. Kemp (1987) U.S. Supreme Court case ruling that statistical studies were not enough to prove racial discrimination in an individual case. Black Skin, White Justice: Race Matters in the Criminal Justice System This Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute unit is designed for grades 9-12 in social studies and explores the significance of race in the criminal justice system. |