The criminal justice system, or CJ system, is the system of organizations and individuals that work together to protect the public, enforce the law, and ensure justice is served. The CJ system consists of law enforcement, courts, and corrections who work together to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses.
It’s also designed to provide due process and fairness to all members of society. This means that everyone involved in the CJ system—whether they’re a victim or an offender—is treated with respect for their rights as citizens.
The CJ system is constantly evolving to adapt to changing needs and challenges. One example of this is how it has adapted to include more women in its ranks (for example police officers).
The CJ system relies on cooperation from everyone within the community where it operates. This includes victims reporting crimes as well as witnesses coming forward with information that can help solve cases. The entire community must cooperate with each other if we expect this complex system to work effectively and fairly for everyone involved.
Criminal justice systems are not static; they are dynamic, constantly adapting to new challenges and needs. For example, in the United States, the elimination of racial discrimination in jury selection has been one such challenge that has forced changes in how juries are selected.
