chapter seven
Criminal Justice System
• Definition of Criminal Justice:
• Criminal Justice involves controlling crime through the scientific
administration of justice services.
Key Components:
• Law Enforcement
• Prosecution
• Courts
• Corrections
Penology and Criminal Justice
• Penology
• The study of penal systems and policies (Francis Lieber, 1834).
• Penology Focus:
• Principles guiding punishment and the state's role in criminal
justice.
Society’s Responses to Crime
Three Main Approaches:
• Prevention Programs - Crime prevention efforts and
identifying contributing factors.
• Rehabilitation Programs - Focus on constructive treatment
of offenders.
• Harsh Punishment - Deterrence through severe punishment.
Components of the Criminal Justice System
• Law Enforcement:
• Police detect and apprehend offenders.
• Their role is vital in initiating the criminal process.
• Prosecution:
• Prosecutors decide whether to charge suspects based on evidence.
• Courts:
• Courts interpret laws and determine criminal responsibility.
• Corrections:
• Corrections focus on punishing and rehabilitating offenders.
Law Enforcement in Criminal Justice
• Role of Police:
• Detect and apprehend law violators.
• Act as the starting point of the criminal justice process.
• Public Perception:
• Varies depending on past experiences with police.
• Police work is highly regulated by law.
Prosecution in Criminal Justice
• Prosecution Defined:
• The state, on behalf of society, brings the offender to court.
• Role of Prosecutor:
• Decides whether to charge a suspect based on available
evidence.
• A “no-paper” decision means insufficient evidence for a
charge.
The Court System
• Purpose of Courts:
• Interpret the law and ensure justice is served.
• Protect the rights of the accused and society.
• Types of Justice:
• Traditional justice vs. "bargain justice" (plea deals).
Correctional System
• Purpose of Corrections:
• Change or eliminate antisocial behavior of offenders.
• Includes prisons, parole, probation, and rehabilitation programs.
• Challenges in Correctional Institutions:
• Prisons often suffer from overcrowding and limited focus on
rehabilitation.
Key Correctional Programs
• Probation:
• Suspended sentence allowing offenders to remain in the community under
supervision.
• Parole:
• Early release of prisoners under supervision.
• Work-Release:
• Offenders work outside but return to prison at night.
• Halfway Houses:
• Residential facilities for reintegration with supervision and support.
• Pre-release Centers:
• Assist prisoners in transitioning to freedom.
Juvenile Justice System
• Development of Juvenile Justice:
• Focused on informal handling of juveniles and
rehabilitation.
• Treatment Programs:
• Residential and non-residential programs aim to
rehabilitate rather than punish.
Correctional Objectives
• Main Goals:
• Retribution (Revenge): Punishment for the
offense.
• Deterrence: Preventing crime by instilling fear
of punishment.
• Rehabilitation: Changing offenders' behavior
for reintegration into society.
Punishment in the Criminal Justice System
• Key Elements of Punishment:
• Involves unpleasant consequences, administered by an authority
for an offense.
• Purpose:
• Ensure justice and protect society.
Types of Correctional Institutions
• Maximum Security Prisons:
• For dangerous offenders, with high security measures.
• Medium Security Prisons:
• House less dangerous offenders, with more rehabilitation opportunities.
• Minimum Security Prisons:
• For non-violent offenders, with more freedom and focus on
rehabilitation.
Treatment of Juvenile Offenders
• Two Main Treatment Types:
• Community Treatment: Programs such as probation, counseling, and
family assistance.
• Institutionalization: Placement in juvenile detention centers.
Alternatives to Imprisonment
Community-Based Corrections:
• Diversion programs, probation, restitution, and temporary
release.
• Focus on rehabilitation in the community instead of
incarceration.
Advantages of Community-Based Corrections
• Cost-Effective:
• Cheaper than incarceration.
• Effective Rehabilitation:
• Lower rates of recidivism compared to prison.
• Less Harmful:
• Reduces negative effects of imprisonment on individuals and their families.
Objectives of Community-Based Corrections
• Reintegration:
• Helping offenders re-enter the community and become
productive members.
• Community Protection:
• Ensuring the safety of society while offenders are
supervised.
• Intermediate Punishment:
• Alternative punishments like house arrest or electronic
monitoring for less severe offenses.
Cost-Effectiveness and Overcrowding
• Prison Overcrowding:
• A global issue requiring alternatives to incarceration.
• Community-Based Solutions:
• Reduce overcrowding and improve the effectiveness of the
criminal justice system.
