Criminal Justice can be defined as the system though which crimes and criminals are identified, apprehended, judged, and punished. The criminal justice system is comprised of three parts:
How does Criminal Justice Work?
The three pieces of the criminal justice work sequentially. For example, once a crime has been committed, law enforcement investigates. Once a suspect is apprehended, the courts take over. Although police and detectives may offer testimony in a trial, it is really the courts show until a verdict is reached. Then, if the accused is found guilty they are sentenced, and turned over to corrections. After release, law enforcement then works in conjunction with a parole officer if further attention is needed.