NCJ Number
16943
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1974) Pages: 12-18
Date Published
1974
Length
7 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF A COLUMBUS, OHIO PROGRAM IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS OF CERTAIN TYPES OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY ARISING FROM INTERPERSONAL DISPUTES ARE DIVERTED TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS WITHIN THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE.
Abstract
THIS PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO ALLOW DISPUTANTS TO CONFRONT EACH OTHER AND WORK OUT PROBLEMS IN A CONTROLLED SETTING WITHOUT RESORTING TO SUCH STIGMATISING PROCEDURES AS ARREST OR TRIAL. TYPICALLY, THESE DISPUTES INVOLVE FAMILY ARGUMENTS, A NEIGHBORHOOD SQUABBLE, A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FRIENDS, THE BREAKUP OF A LOVE AFFAIR, OR A DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT. AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING, CONDUCTED BY LAW STUDENTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY IS SCHEDULED BETWEEN THE PARTIES IN THE DISPUTE. HEARINGS ARE CONDUCTED INFORMALLY, AND EACH PARTY IS ALLOWED TO TELL HIS SIDE OF THE STORY WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. THE PARTIES MAY DETERMINE A SOLUTION OR THE HEARING OFFICER MAY SUGGEST SOLUTIONS. IT WAS FOUND THAT LESS THAN TWO PERCENT OF THE CASES HEARD RESULT IN THE FILING OF FORMAL CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND LESS THAN THREE PERCENT RETURN ON THE SAME OR SIMILAR CONDUCT.