System Theory Literature Review

System Theory Literature Review

The systems theory refers to the interdisciplinary study of complex systems. According to Von Bertalanffy (1975), it studies the complex arrangements of elements. Since its inception in the 1940s by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the theory has postulated that an entire system was more than the sum of its parts. Hence, to fully comprehend a system, it is best understood in the context of the whole. The systems theory attempts to highlight how related components interact at different levels to end up forming a system. Thus, it developed useful generalizations such as all systems have common characteristics that can be utilized to understand those systems. Hence, McGorry et al. (2018), the system theory evolved beyond its descriptive nature. It incorporated concepts and propositions that led to an in-depth and accurate comprehension of phenomena under study. Therefore, the social theory was delved into the openness of organizations and how they interacted with the environment in inputs and outputs.

In criminal justice, Turner & Baker (2019) argued that the social theory’s open system could be applied since the input was the environment around it interacted. These entered the system while outputs left. The adaptation to a changing environment by the system led to a natural feedback loop created by inputs and outputs. The system thus self-regulates, leading to its viability. It is paramount in all systems that both outputs and inputs balance. A decrease in inputs would directly result in a decrease in outputs. However, a system overload would be experienced. It is often characterized by inadequate processing of the inputs. The social theory is instrumental in linking the varied components of the justice system. However, this linkage has been misconstrued to mean that the various branches such as law courts, the police, and correctional services work towards a common goal. This implication was not intended by the various authors who have termed criminal justice as a system.

Early usage of social theory in criminology was by Veenstra et al. (2018), who argued for its use as a framework. He linked the various components as well as other institutions and agencies. Additionally, the author successfully identified the inputs and inputs that fell under the various institutions and agencies. These successfully demonstrated the criminal justice system as a whole with its various intervening components. These constituted the various overlapping and interlocking systems that make up complex systems. Huq (2018) also argued that the systems theory was best suited to describe the criminal justice system. This is attributed to its ability to macro-analyze the justice system. Consequently, it is best placed to propose solutions based on the identified loopholes. The system theory can identify problems leading to a focus on management concerns. However, the researcher also contends that many scholars tend to focus on the closed system argument. Yet, the criminal justice system interacts with the wider societal systems.

On the other hand, Bernard (2005) entrenched the implementation of social theory. Its application in the criminal justice system is supported by the various agencies that are intertwined in the criminal justice system. The study commences by identifying the inputs and outputs in the system. A police officer making an arrest is described as an input. They are responsible for processing the paperwork or other processes such as counseling and releasing the offenders. They can output them to various courts that will handle the cases. However, the input-output relationship is not straightforward. For instance, the police officer is only a small part of a larger and wider police precinct. The precinct, in turn, is only a small part of the criminal justice system in a larger location. Moreover, in the interest of balance, the theory states that input must always balance with outputs. This is seen in the offenders being brought to court one by one at a time. Exceptional circumstances like a riot may lead to more arrests than normal, resulting in the overloading of holding cells as well as courthouses. The spillover effect will be felt in correctional facilities.

Another principle advanced by the system theory is the processes that occur. The criminal justice system is full of processes. Right from the time offenders (input) are arrested, the police officer has to process them and release them to the next system. The complete products are reformed prisoners who have been successfully rehabilitated. However, those who fall back to crime are the incomplete products. Another major process is victim processing. When judges and magistrates tackle complaints from the public. Victims who are satisfactorily served are regarded as finished products, while those who are disgruntled are incomplete products.  Achieving the goals of the criminal justice system varies. The various institutions and agencies are all working towards the production of non-offenders. Hence, multiple, overlapping, and contradictory ideas exist as to how to achieve this common goal. When police officers believe deterrence will lead to non-offending, they may ignore public and victims’ wishes.

References

Bernard, T. J., Paoline III, E. A., & Pare, P. P. (2005). General systems theory and criminal   justice. Journal of Criminal Justice, 33(3), 203-211.

Huq, A. Z. (2018). Racial equity in algorithmic criminal justice. Duke LJ, 68, 1043.

McGorry, P. D., Hartmann, J. A., Spooner, R., & Nelson, B. (2018). Beyond the “at risk mental     state” concept: transitioning to transdiagnostic psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 133-    142.

Turner, J. R., & Baker, R. M. (2019). Complexity theory: An overview with potential          applications for the social sciences. Systems, 7(1), 4.

Veenstra, R., Dijkstra, J. K., & Kreager, D. A. (2018). Pathways, networks, and norms: A          sociological perspective on peer research.

Von Bertalanffy, L. (1975). Perspectives on general system theory: Scientific-philosophical          studies. George Braziller.