9781422274033

INSTITUTIONS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM In the United States, the criminal justice system includes all the institutions that identify individuals who break laws and determine which punishment, rehabilitation , or support the government will provide. Three specific institutions make up the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Each branch serves an essential function by establishing and en- forcing the country’s laws. When you consider the break- down of the criminal justice system into city, county, state, and federal jurisdictions, you understand how complex the system can become. Without an entity encompassing the country's entire criminal justice system, some variance oc- curs in laws and management from state to state and from municipality to municipality. Law enforcement officials uphold the laws of their as- signed jurisdictions . They investigate and prevent crimes, apprehend suspects, and detain individuals accused of committing crimes. Law enforcement officers typically represent the first contact an individual has with the crim- inal justice system, and police officers are among the most common law enforcement personnel people encounter. Many more people work behind the scenes in law enforce- ment, including probation officers, prison guards, and administrators. The courts resolve legal disputes, including criminal trials, on local, state, and federal levels. Courts also deter- mine sentencing for criminal convictions after finding a

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Contemporary Issues: Criminal Justice System