What do we mean when we refer to the “criminal justice system”?

What Do We Mean When We Refer To The “Criminal Justice System”?

Prof. Theodore Miller at Police Science Institute replies to this question by stating … “it is important to first recognize that every country maintains its own, distinct „system‟ of Criminal Justice, and, as such, it is most difficult to properly address the specifics of all in a generalized format. With respect, however, as it relates to the Criminal Justice System in the U.S.being the foremost global „model‟, it is easier to broadly define this venue.

While there are multitudes of „definitional descriptions‟ applied to Criminal Justice, suffice it to suggest that Criminal Justice is „an inter-woven, interacting system of practices and institutions established by respective governments seeking to maintain „social order‟, the implementation of policies, practices and institutions dedicated to the deterrence of crime, and, the undertaking of similar policies, procedures and facilities dedicated to sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties (as well as their subsequent rehabilitation)‟.

The (U.S.) President's 1969 Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice defined the Criminal Justice System as the method for society to „enforce the standards of conduct necessary to protect individuals and the community.‟ Virtually all countries have in some form or fashion established their respective Criminal Justice Systems to actively reflect three (3) primary operational areas, all specifically designed to operate within the framework of the law(s) having been enacted as general public policy … Law Enforcement, the Court System, and, the Corrections System.

All in all, a „Criminal Justice System‟ is in fact a „concept‟ … an „umbrella‟ under which a multitude of „operational participants‟ exist, and, which pervades every aspect of our government and society. Regardless of specific jurisdiction, all systems of Criminal Justice attempt to reflect a modality of both social and legal institutions individually and collectively set in place in order to effectively enforce criminal law(s) in accordance with a proscribed set of procedures, policies, regulations and methodologies.

And, with specific regard to the U.S., there are multi-levels of „systems within systems‟ on a Federal, State, County, Municipality and Military level, all of which treating offenders as to different criteria based upon adult vs. juvenile status.”