Assignment:
Because criminal justice resources are limited, most law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have set policies about which criminal statutes will and will not be enforced.
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
• Describe the effects of social dynamics on discretionary enforcement in the criminal justice system.
Resources
• Textbook: Collective, C. J., Prior, S., & Jones, L. (2018). Investigating difference: human and cultural relations in criminal justice (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Background Information
Many criminal statutes classify behaviors that are common in lower socioeconomic classes as crimes. For example, offenses such as trespassing and public urination are common among the homeless population. Many jurisdictions have made political decisions to forego enforcement and/or prosecution of these crimes. Proponents argue that non-enforcement is the humane course of action. Opponents argue that non-enforcement leads to a state of anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law.