ABSTRACT
Despite the scholarly and popular interest in the administration of criminal justice, there are few theoretical discussions of the process. Consequently, this chapter attempts to develop an explicit theoretical framework by which the practices in the administration can be depicted and explained. There is a large body of research focusing primarily upon means or formal goals of the administration of criminal justice. Although there is no consensus or common methodology among the writers adopting this rational-goal approach, their common theme is a primary concern with formal rules. A different set of practices tends to be focused on, and there is a far greater and explicit concern for “explaining” the behavior of the actors. Appeal to the normative considerations of professionalism is a key source of control in many organizations composed of highly trained and skilled personnel, and in many instances is a highly successful instrument.
