Study of Criminal JusticeBecome an Expert on the Criminal Justice SystemThe study of criminal justice encompasses the study of laws regarding criminal behavior. Criminal justice is studied by police, law enforcement agents, those interested in criminal law as well as those interested in corrections. Criminal justice laws are critical to ensure that national and local governments maintain social control, prevent and control crime as well as punishing those that violate laws. Laws ensure that individual rights are being respected and that law enforcement officials act within a framework established and agreed by society. The study of criminal justice spans across many disciplines. It is a critical component for those with careers in law, policing, courts, corrections as well as academics.
Criminal Justice System The criminal justice system is made up of three major parts: • Law Enforcement (police) Policing The first point of contact a criminal will have with the criminal justice system is the police or other law enforcement agencies. Police are responsible for investigating crime and making the initial arrest. Like other agents within the criminal justice system, police are governed by rules of the law and must act within this framework. They are to exhibit force only other specifically defined circumstances. For more information regarding the police, visit our pages on how to become a police officer and police degrees. Courts Courts are where disputes get resolved and where justice gets administered. If this area of criminal justice interests you, consider a career as a judge, prosecutor or defense attorney. All of these professions are critical for the adjudication process. Decision regarding a party’s guild or innocents can be determined by the judge, panel of judges or jury. Which deciding body will be used depends on the state, as well as level of court and can be a decision reached between the defense attorney and prosecutor. If this side of the study of criminal justice interests you, visit our pages on legal degrees and legal careers. Corrections After the court system, those accused and defined as criminal offenders are turned to the corrections system. Prisons are the most commonly identified form of punishment. They serve the funding of detaining prisoners for a set period of time after trial. Jails are used for containment of the accused. The ultimate goal of prisons is to offer offenders a way to rehabilitate. Other forms of punishment include fines, probation time, house arrest and capital punishment. The study of criminal justice spans a number of disciplines and opens doors for a wide array of career opportunities. To learn more about this exciting degree program, visit criminal justice
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