NCJ Number
113064
Date Published
1987
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides background information on the purpose, components, and processes of the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems (CJS's).
Abstract
The CJS is designed to control crime and contribute to public safety and order. These responsibilities are carried out by police, courts, and corrections within the framework of democratic principles designed to protect civil rights of all individuals. The total CJS seeks to identify law violators, establish guilt, issue appropriate sanctions, and change offender behavior. Criminal law describes those behaviors that constitute crime. Law enforcement is the major task of policing agencies, and entry into the CJS usually results from a police arrest. A suspect's case is then referred to the prosecutor for possible court action. The court system is fragmented into juvenile and adult jurisdictions among courts at the Federal, State, and local levels. Once a case is brought to court for adjudication, the suspect enters a plea. Most cases result in guilty pleas through plea negotiation. A jury trial can be sought by those not pleading guilty. Once guilt is established the court determines an appropriate sanction, which may involve incarceration or noninstitutional alternatives such as fine, community service, or probation. Sentences are carried out by corrections, the CJS component responsible for punishing offenders, protecting the public, compensating victims, and rehabilitating offenders. A vignette describes obstacles to teaching the handicapped in the CJS. 15 references.