Criminal Justice System Paper

Abstract
The criminal justice systems entail components along with different stages within the system. I will discuss the main components such as, corrections, courts and the police departments and how they play significant roles in different stages. The information will be described are court roles, police officers roles, attorney roles and an overview of the criminal justice system and hwo it relates to the government. Police officers begin with filing an initial complaint, an attorney (defense) then becomes involved as well as a prosecutor post arrest and the court will become involved if the case proceeds to trial. The foundation and where this process begins is within the Government and is divided into three branches which are the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

Criminal Justice Paper
The criminal justice system has many components but there are three major components, law enforcement, criminal courts and correction agencies. 1. The law enforcement (police departments, sheriffs, detectives, etc.) are agencies that enforces the criminal laws that are set. They are also public agencies and they work in the community to prevent and keep crime under control, maintain order and to enforce the law. They gather evidence and work with the prosecutors to obtain successful convictions. 2. Courts are where the accused are tried, either in front of peers (jury) or a judge. The purpose of this component is to seek the truth and justice of the individuals that were victims in the crime and to prosecute the accused. The people involved in this process are defense attorneys (represents the accuser), prosecutors (represents the people) and the judged (maintains order in the court and follows through with sentencing if convicted). 3. Corrections are after the accuser is prosecuted and sentenced. The offender can be sentenced and punished to one of the correctional institutions such as, jail and prisons. There are also sentencing to house arrest or electronic monitoring (a device worn by the offender to keep track of their whereabouts). The purpose of sentencing is to punish, rehabilitate and help with public safety.

The foundation and framework of the criminal justice system is provided the national government which has the highest authority. It outlines power that are divided and shared between the national, state, and local levels of government. The responsibilities are divided so that one level will not become too powerful. The national government declares war, coins money, foreign relations, and make trades throughout the United States. The state government manages public health and safety, develops educational systems, and trade within the state. The local government governs cities, counties, and districts that are authorized by the state. The powers of the national government come from the U.S. Constitution. The national government is also called the federal government.

Power that is not given to the national government it is given to the state. The powers of the local government come from the state. The government is also divided into three branches, executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. The legislative branch makes the laws. Basically, they determine and define crimes, set sentences regarding the nature of the crime, and fund the different agencies in criminal justice. It is headed by County Board of Commissioners, City Council, and Congress. The judicial branch interprets the law. The trial courts make judgments for guilty people that are charged with crimes. The appellable courts follow through with the law according to the constitutional principles. State and federal appellate review the decisions of the legislative acts and if they relate to the constitution.

A judicial review will give the court power to evaluate the acts of legislative, if a law is not in accordance with the constitution, the appellate court might not approve. The executive branch carries out the law. Presidents, Governors, and mayors are given power by the executive branch, in regards to criminal justice; they have power over the appointed judges, police chiefs, and department of correction directors. They can also be leaders to help improve criminal justice by putting agendas together for legislation and public opinions. In conclusion, the structure of the government and criminal justice system relate because they both are made with different components and stages. The laws that are enforced are made up by the government. They both have a process and stages in order to enforce the law.