IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE EQUITABLE, VIABLE, AND EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IS 'ON A COURSE BOUND STRAIGHT FOR HELL.' THIS INDICTMENT ENCOMPASSES STATE AND NATIONAL LEGISLATURES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AT ALL LEVELS, THE JUDICIARY (PARTICULARLY AT THE TRIAL AND APPELLATE LEVELS), ATTORNEYS FOR THE DEFENSE AND FOR THE PROSECUTION, AND CORRECTIONS. ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE FROM THE AUTHOR'S 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT IS CITED IN SUPPORT OF THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS IN TROUBLE. REINSTATEMENT OF THE DEATH PENALTY IS URGED, THE DIVERSION OF YOUNG OFFENDERS FROM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS SUPPORTED, AND THE NEED FOR SOCIETY TO TOLERATE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CRIME AGAINST PROPERTY IS POINTED OUT. SUPPORT IS ALSO VOICED FOR MANDATORY SENTENCING FOR CRIMES OF VIOLENCE. IT IS ARGUED THAT OFFENDERS SHOULD BE TOLD THAT THEY ARE BEING SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUNISHMENT. IT IS FURTHER ARGUED THAT THE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE OBLIGED TO PROVIDE ALL RELEASED OFFENDERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS MADE MORE ADVANCES THAN HAVE OTHER BRANCHES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM BUT IS STILL LOSING THE BATTLE. (LKM)