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Crime and Justice in Texas

NCJ Number
117446
Author(s)
C Bissell; G G Blair; R A Jerin; M H Hazlett; M M Kaune; Y Kim; H L Marsh; J R Sorensen; D A Woods
Editor(s)
R H C Teske
Date Published
1988
Length
151 pages
Annotation
This report overviews criminal offenses, victims, offenders, and criminal justice system responses to crime in Texas.
Abstract
Characteristics of the most common types of crime in Texas are described, including homicide, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, theft, and arson. The incidence of crime in Texas is compared with national statistics. Types of crimes Texans are most likely to be victimized by are noted, and the relation between the offender and the victim is examined. Victim rights and victim reporting of crime are discussed. The typical offender in Texas is described, along with characteristics of career criminals and the impact of age, sex, and race on participation in crime. The criminal justice process in Texas is detailed, with emphasis on law enforcement, arrests, prosecution and the judiciary, sentencing, adult probation, prisons, and parole and mandatory supervision. The juvenile offender and the juvenile justice system in Texas are profiled, and the economic costs of Texas' criminal justice system are evaluated. Selected criminal justice issues are considered, including driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, child abuse, drugs, the insanity defense, and mentally retarded inmates. 117 references, 61 tables and 91 figures.