Where Are We Going in Criminal Justice? Some Insights From the Chinese Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Concepts of formal and informal crime control mechanisms in the criminal justice system of the People's Republic of China are discussed and contrasted with the U.S. system. Focusing on the police, courts, and corrections, it is concluded that the Chinese emphasis on informal mechanisms may have implications for crime reduction programs in the West. A critical review of our crime reduction strategies, modification of some our approaches to rule enforcement, and a re-evaluation of the validity of present formal enforcement mechanisms may be useful at this point in time.