A critique of current approaches to criminal justice research concludes that there is no comprehensive theoretical framework for criminal justice research; consequently, there is neither an organizing paradigm for research nor a basis for explaining, rather than merely describing, criminal justice operations. In presenting a systems framework for studying the criminal justice process, the primary aims of this study are to provide (1) a framework which is true to the actual process of criminal justice and not removed in theoretical abstractions, (2) a framework that can incorporate apparently disparate findings and substantive theoretical orientations, and (3) a paradigm that includes elements of both conflict and cooperation, stability and change. The first part of the book focuses on the development of a theoretical framework through which systems theory is related to social systems, recognizing the problems involved in transferring systems analysis from other areas to the study of social systems and the shortcomings of mathematical models. The criminal justice system is identified as a social system with the characteristics of 'openness' (influenced by other systems in its environment due to its continuous interaction with them). Because of this characteristic, the importance of 'boundary determination' for the system in conducting research is considered. Rational-goal models of the criminal justice system (JUSSIM and CANJUS) are explained and critiqued, followed by discussions of the nonhierarchical structure of the criminal justice system, subgoal priorities and feedback, the maintenance of subsystem functional autonomy in the criminal justice system, and conflict in the criminal justice system. A total of 148 bibliographic entries are provided along with a subject index.