The Criminal Justice System
The Criminal Justice System
Kimberly E Bond
CJS/200
December 22, 2013
Crystal Wagoner
The Criminal Justice System
The components of the Criminal Justice System in the United States is very broad. It encompasses areas such as Federal, State and Local Police Agencies, the Court System and the Department of Corrections. All of these agencies function independently, however, they must cooperate with each other in order to be successful. It is the purpose of these components to protect society by enforcing the law, prosecuting criminals and incarcerating them.
The various Law Enforcement Agencies enforce the laws, the Court System adjudicates the law and the Division of Corrections applies the law. The Law Enforcement Agencies enforce the laws by making arrests, conducting investigations and combating crime. The Court system adjudicates the law by hearing cases and prosecuting offenders that were found guilty. The Division of Corrections applies the law by enforcing the sentencing guidelines imposed by the courts and ensures the prosecuting offenders abide by the current State and Local laws.
The structure of the government relates to the Criminal Justice System is through the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch consists of the Heads of Federal, State, and Local municipalities such as the president of the United States, Governors and Mayors. They have the authority to appoint judges and heads of agencies such as Police Chiefs and Directors of the Division of Corrections. These executive branch leaders are responsible for ensuring that the laws are upheld. They may also at times make suggestions for new laws to the