Why Do We Need a Criminal Justice System - 1140 Words

Introduction It is not always clear why a criminal justice system is needed or indeed what it contributes to the functioning of a society. In the discussion that will follow, it will be argued that there are essentially four reasons why we do need to have a criminal justice system. First, it upholds the freedoms of individuals and maintenance of public order. Second, a criminal justice system instils fear in people and thus deterring illegal activities. Third, a good justice system provides rehabilitation and reform to criminals. Fourth, it educates society on processes conducted at every level of law and order, therefore ensuring that all stages of the criminal justice system connect with each other without fear or favour. It will be†¦show more content†¦However, it has been demonstrated that incarceration of prisoners solely does not rehabilitate or reform them and indeed may have unintended consequences to the contrary (Haney, 2008). The fourth argument in favour of the c riminal justice system is that it strives to facilitate a better understanding, for citizens, on how decisions are made at each stage while an investigation into a crime and trial proceedings are in progress. It is important that citizens understand the criminal law and order process so they can contribute effectively as witnesses and victims of crime which is fundamental to decisions made about prosecutorial screening and police investigation into a crime (Daly, K. et al, 2006). It is also found that it is crucial that the processes that make up the criminal justice system are followed, to eliminate the likelihood of serious distortions in a criminal case. For instance, although matters concerning sentencing, criminal law and procedures are separate to each other, it becomes important for the citizen to identify them and their functions so essential values in each of these areas are well known and therefore held accountable by society (Smith Natalier, 2005, p.45). This knowledge will facilitate society to ascertain if each department is allowed to operate independently but in line with the laid down policies, hence the law being applied amicably (Bryett et al,Show MoreRelatedWhy Do We as a Society Need a Criminal Justice System?1179 Words   |  5 PagesWHY DO WE AS A SOCIETY NEED A CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM? Introduction The criminal justice system is comprised of a basic formation, the law enforcement agencies, the courts, and the correctional services. This system has existed since ancient times and although the three facilities haven’t completely been replaced over the centuries, there has been a lot of change and amendment to how the system is used to investigate, deter, and keep order and control in today’s society. It is a fundamental partRead MoreWhy Do We as a Society Need a Criminal Justice System Essay1216 Words   |  5 PagesWhy do we (as a society) need a criminal justice system? Introduction As a society there is need for a criminal justice system, as it is essential to have laws throughout the population. We have these laws so people cannot use money or power to benefit themselves. The laws also establish that each person should understand their and everyone else’s rights and obligations within the community. The criminal justice system, is a system of laws and rulings which protect community membersRead MoreSocietal Trends That Impact the Criminal Justice System948 Words   |  4 PagesSOCIETAL TRENDS THAT IMPACT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Suzie A. Anderson Everest University Online CCJ 1017-52 Criminology Jamie Onion April 8, 2012 Utilizing everything you have learned about crime and criminal behavior this term, you will now have the opportunity to think about the future of our society and how the criminal justice system should prepare. Identify and discuss the societal trends that will impact the criminal justice system over the next ten years. The societal trendsRead MoreThe Concepts Of A New Criminal Justice System1695 Words   |  7 Pagesexamine the concepts of a new criminal justice. It will also discuss why the concept requires the involvement of the entire community and why it may be difficult to implement. 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It makes sure the youth are provided with meaningful consequences for their actions and then reintegrates them back into society. The Youth Justice System brings up a lot of question and the main one is: Is Canada’s Youth Justice System fair and equitable? A lot of people argue that it is too lenient while others say it is a great method for dealing with youth. The YouthRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System1305 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout this course, I have learned about the many segments of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system is made up of three main elements which process a case from initiation, through trial, to punishment. First a case starts with law enforcement officials, who investigate crime and gather evidence to identify and use against the assumed suspect. The case then proceeds to the court system, which evaluates the evidence to decide if the defendant is guilty or innocent. If the defendantRead MoreMulticulturalism And A Multicultural Society1012 Words   |  5 Pagesand multiculturalism is more prevalent in the justice system than anything else in society today. According to the ABA the African-America race faces an incarceration rate that is six times that of whites. As a criminal justice professional we must be aware of social issues. There are two reason why social awareness is important, the first is when a group of people is alienated from a system because of disparities, that groups distrust with the system will grow. The ABA has linked systemic racialRead MorePortugal s Criminal Justice System1440 Words   |  6 PagesPortugal criminal justice system, it showed similarities and differences with the United States criminal justice system. For example, these two nations have some of the same problems, however Portugal has abolished the death penalty. When I looked into the strengths and weakness of law enforcement, criminal procedures, courts, sentencing, and corrections I believe that the United States has a better form in handling these matters. So far there isn t a perfect system to manage the justice system, but