Criminal Justice Basics
What is the main goal of the criminal justice system?
To keep society secure and just
Who are usually the first point of contact in the criminal justice system?
Police/Law Enforcement
Who oversees court proceedings?
Judges
What is the main role of corrections?
Carry out sentences and rehabilitate offenders
Which part of the system usually begins the process?
Law Enforcement — making arrests
Name the three main components of the system.
Law Enforcement, Courts, Corrections
Give one example of a federal law enforcement agency.
FBI, DEA, ATF, etc
What is the role of a prosecutor?
Represents the state/government in criminal cases
What’s the difference between probation and parole?
Probation: instead of jail / Parole: early release from prison
Which part decides guilt or innocence?
Courts
What are the three key purposes of the system?
Protect society, ensure fair treatment, rehabilitate offenders
What are two main roles of law enforcement officers?
Investigating crimes, gathering evidence, making arrests, protecting communities
What is the difference between state and federal courts
State: most criminal cases / Federal: constitutional issues, federal law, crimes across states
Who supervises people in prison?
Corrections officers
Which part enforces the punishment?
Corrections
Criminal justice is described as a “delicate balance.” Between which two things?
Protecting society vs. ensuring individual rights
Who typically oversees rural areas and county jails?
Sheriffs
What group of people delivers the verdict in a trial?
The jury
What is the ultimate goal of corrections?
Reduce recidivism and reintegrate offenders into society
What is the sequence of the CJ system from start to finish?
Arrest → Court → Corrections
What does “recidivism” mean?
When offenders commit new crimes after punishment
How does law enforcement connect to the next step in the CJ process?
They make arrests and pass cases to the courts for trial
Why are courts essential to the concept of “due process”?
They ensure trials follow constitutional rights and laws
Give one example of how corrections “protects society.”
By incarcerating dangerous offenders, monitoring parolees, enforcing probation conditions, etc.
Why is collaboration between the three components essential?
Because they rely on each other to ensure justice is fair and effective