Criminal Justice System In America

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Criminal Justice System in America Joseph Dye CJA/204 12 March 2012 Mr. James Smith Criminal Justice System in America Crime – Conduct in violation of the criminal laws of a state, the federal government, or a local jurisdiction, for which there is no legally acceptable justification or excuse. (Criminal Justice Today, 2009 pg. 7) The criminal justice system in America is comprised of three main categories; Police, courts, and corrections. Each has a role to play in the safety of the public and how people interact with each other on daily basis. There is also a process by which each of these departments must conduct and govern themselves with in their own and as a group together. First, we will break this down by departments, and…show more content…
Once the perpetrator of the law has been booked the court starts its process with the first appearance, this is where within a few hours (usually within 24 hours) of being arrested and booked, the suspect are brought before a magistrate (judicial official or judge) for their first appearance. The judge will again tell them the charges for which they were given, tell them their rights and on occasion depending on how serious the crime was, an offer for bail or money or property pledged or given to the court, for release of legal custody. If they cannot post bail, then they will move onto the preliminary hearing where the evidence of the crime will be presented. The judge will look for probable cause that a crime has been committed and if the suspect committed it. This hearing also allows the prosecutor the chance to assess the strength of the evidence and the defense to council to assess the strength of the prosecution’s case. From here the prosecutor may seek to file an information, a formal written accusation, with the court to continue the case or an indictment by grand jury may need…show more content…
The police, courts, and corrections carry a lot weight in keeping our communities safe and in order. They are constantly working hard to maintain peace and continuity in our communities. It starts right in our community from the city or town level, all the way up to the federal government. Laws are made for the benefit of the community and each has its place. The federal government maintains the highest laws, then the states, the counties, and the cities. The criminal justice system in America truly is designed by the people for the people. Annotated Bibliography: Criminal Justice Today: An Introductory Text for the 21st Century, Tenth Edition, by Frank Schmalleger Ph. D. Published by Prentice Hall, 2009, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. A book to help criminal justice students understand the themes that build on the highest goals of the American criminal justice system. Gives great insight on how to achieve a just and orderly society in which people are free to pursue personal interests while remaining safe and

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