Experts agree that the U.S. criminal justice system faces a crisis, yet there is a broad range of views as to its sources, consequences, and solutions. There seems to be a public perception that the individual rights guaranteed accused criminals by the U.S. Constitution prevents the criminal justice system from functioning properly. It is generally accepted among persons involved in the legal system, however, that constitutional rights are not undermining the system. Most experts believe that one of the greatest challenges facing the criminal justice system is the nation's illegal drug problem. Yet there is much disagreement as to how much attention and spending should be devoted to law enforcement as opposed to education. One inescapable fact is that a lack of funds has weakened the justice system. Prosecutors, public defense attorneys, and courts are overwhelmed and generally underpaid. Jails and prisons are terribly overcrowded. Many experts feel that it is important that the public come to understand that the criminal justice system has a limited role in reducing crime. People must begin to see that the crime problem, whether related to drugs or not, is a societal problem that has its roots in both economic status imbalance and a weakened moral system. (DB)