NCJ Number
18683
Journal
Texas Police Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: (MARCH 1975) Pages: 1-5,18
Date Published
1975
Length
6 pages
Annotation
NEW LEGISLATION OR REVISION OF EXISTING STATUTES ARE SUGGESTED IN THE AREAS OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, PENAL LAWS, THE STATE CONSTITUTION, CIVIL STATUTES, AND FEDERAL LAWS.
Abstract
EACH PROPOSED REFORM IS FOLLOWED BY A BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE NEED FOR THE REFORM AND THE BENEFITS WHICH WOULD RESULT FROM THE REFORM. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CHANGES BE MADE: AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SEARCH WARRANTS TO SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF A CRIME; PROTECTION OF RAPE VICTIMS FROM INTIMIDATION AND HARASSMENT; PERMITTING THE USE OF PROPERLY WARNED ORAL CONFESSIONS AS EVIDENCE; ALLOWING USE OF ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE; AMENDMENT OF JUVENILE LAWS; AND ELIMINATION OF UNREASONABLE DELAY IN THE COURT SYSTEM. ALSO SUGGESTED ARE THE REVISION OF THE PORNOGRAPHY STATUTE, A MORE INCLUSIVE DEFINITION OF MARIJUANA, STRONGER PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI), AND PRECISE SCIENTIFIC TESTING FOR INTOXICATION. CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES ON BAIL REVOCATION AND STATE APPEALS IN CRIMINAL CASES ARE DISCUSSED. FINALLY, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE FEDERAL EXCLUSIONARY EVIDENCE RULE BE RESTRICTED AND THAT FEDERAL REVIEW OF STATE CONVICTIONS BE LIMITED.