WA 5 - Description
Which criminal process model,
the Crime Control model
or
the Due
Process Model
is more effective?
Evaluating the crime control and due process models
To declare that one of these models is superior to the other requires one to
make a value judgment. The crime control model reflects conservative
values, while the due process model reflects liberal values. Political climate
determines which model shapes criminal justice policy at a specific time.
During the politically liberal 1960s, the principles and policies of due process
predominated in criminal justice. From the mid-1970s to the early twenty‐
first century, conservatism has Evheld sway as the dominant political
philosophy, and conservatives have formulated criminal justice policies in the
image of the crime control model.
The Crime Control model (page 214)
"
the crime control model would say a person is guilty until proven innocent by the courts
"
The crime control model which is a model that Packer (1968) describes as
the part of the criminal justice system which condemns individuals for doing
an action which is seen as criminal. Packer describes this model as
prioritizing in the convictions of individuals who have committed a criminal
act and not waiting for the courts to decide. In his theory, Packer believes
that this model is concentrated on the conviction and would risk the
conviction of innocent people to achieve its goal. The crime control model
can therefore be said to be the scheme set to punish people and make a
difference towards society in reducing crime and showing the public that by
these arrests and convictions, it may show the criminal justice system being
effective and beneficial to society.
The crime control model should prevail
The following assertions are the key concerns of the crime control
model:
1.
The repression of crime should be the most important function of
criminal justice because order is a necessary condition for a free
society.
2.
Criminal justice should concentrate on vindicating victims' rights rather
than on protecting defendants' rights.
3.
Police powers should be expanded to make it easier to investigate,
arrest, search, seize, and convict.
4.
Legal technicalities that handcuff the police should be eliminated.