Describe the political environment of the criminal justice system
What will be an ideal response?
• Fairchild and Webb suggest that we view the political environment of the criminal justice system as a complex decision-making apparatus. This apparatus contains both formal and informal overlapping subsystems.
• The formal system includes legislatures at federal, state and local levels. These legislative bodies play a large role in determining how criminal justice agencies formulate policy and procedure.
• The informal system is comprised of sources that seek to apply pressures and demands on bureaucratic systems. These sources may support or oppose existing programs.
• The political environment can vary greatly in its size and influence. Smaller, rural communities often provide agencies with constant community input as they are tied so closely with the local social system. Larger, more urban communities tend to be shielded from such direct influence as citizen complaints may be handled through formal channels.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false