This program explores current trends in criminal justice policy. It covers such topics as the U.S. incarceration rate and psychological explanations for criminality. It outlines the four classic functions of incarceration (incapacitation, deterrence, retribution, and rehabilitation).

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American Criminal Justice System (04:27)A criminal is someone who breaks the law; laws are part of every civilization. Criminals pass through the three branches of the justice system— police, courts, corrections. Hear incarceration statistics from 2008 and 2009.What Makes a Criminal? (01:50)Social scientists attempted to identify characteristics that indicate the likelihood of an individual to engage in criminal behavior from several psychological perspectives.Adolescent Delinquency (03:07)Young people engage in risky behavior as part of the developmental process. Developmental psychologists attribute criminal behavior to mental and emotional growth through adolescence.Criminality, a Societal Consequence or Rational Choice? (03:34)Freud described criminals as atavistic and lacking self-control while Albert Bandura believed behavior is a consequence of modeling. Edwin Sutherland developed the theory of differential association while other psychologists believe self-discipline and the will to succeed are determinants of criminality.Goal of Corrections (02:15)Advocates of behavior modification assume criminality is a result of learning and can be un-learned. Colonial cultures used penitentiaries and corporal punishment. The U.S. prison population is over 8 million; corrections has four functions.Consequences of Incarceration (04:14)In the U.S., corrections is the fifth largest category in the state budget. Hear statistics on recidivism. In 2009, senators argued for criminal justice reform.Criminal Justice Reform (07:12)Several reports indicate that reform must occur in courts and corrections in 11 specific areas.Reducing Recidivism (01:37)Correctional program reviews reveal the success of cognitive-based, community-based, diversion, and meditation programs.Credits: Psychology, Criminality, and Incarceration in America (01:17)Credits: Psychology, Criminality, and Incarceration in America