Pursuing Criminal Justice Paper

Pursuing Criminal Justice Paper

CJA/483

University of Phoenix

Prepared By: Katherine Gregory

Instructor: Robert Smith

December 20, 2011

The United States Criminal Justice System is a structural basis used to maintain social control and order within society. The network is a unified whole, it is balanced, and serves a common purpose of delivering justice to all in an organized and harmonious manner. The system or network has many components that work together to provide justice for criminals and victims of crimes, enabling law violators to be prosecuted in a fair trial. The three interdependent components include law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Each one of these components has its own set of guidelines and procedures to follow in order to provide justice to all involved. The objective of this paper is to elaborate on a prior outline regarding justice and answer some questions associated with the criminal justice system.

Throughout my academic years at the University of Phoenix I have gained a better understanding of the meaning for justice. Overall justice is related to a just society with universal respect for the human rights of all people including the poor, minorities, indigenous people, etc. Certain courses like Criminal Justice Policy Analysis, Ethics in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Procedure helped me better understand justice and its meaning. My understanding of justice is fairness, unbiased, and moral rightness based on laws created from the government. Also, throughout the criminal justice system curtained procedures should be followed to allow Due Process and justice to all parties involves. Justice, in my belief has origins created from the US Constitution. The constitution is composed of amendments that provide safeguards for wrongful doings within the criminal justice system. For example, the fourth, fifth, sixth, and fourteenth amendments all contribute to the understanding of justice. Justice is apart of every aspect of the criminal justice system. The police, courts, and corrections have to encourage justice due to laws set in place. However, within my career in the justice system I would promote public safety for society. Justice does include citizens surrounding the criminal justice system not just the individuals that enter it everyday. Law abiding citizens should fell safe in their own homes. By promoting safety and by doing some sort of analytical research on the development of crime this could then be stopped or law enforcement could become more proactive to crimes being committed.

Law enforcement officers within the criminal justice system have a major role in process of the justice and the implementation of justice. Their duties include investigating alleged criminal offenses, assisting the prosecution with obtaining criminal convictions at trial, and keeping the peace. They are also required to enforce laws, react to criminal activity, all while upholding the constitutional rights of the accused. Their essential contribution to the criminal justice system takes courage, bravery, rationalism, and the ability to think and react quickly at a moments notice.

Law enforcement officers are set at higher standards than the normal society. They are given massive powers and discretion to carry out their duties as police officers. With that being said the first point into the criminal justice system and the concept of justice begins with the police. They have procedural practices to follow when dealing with alleged offended in order to carry out unbiased justice. One practice used by law enforcement when dealing with offenders is the Miranda Warning. Mandates in 1966 by the US Supreme Court this safeguard allows offenders not to self incriminate themselves. Another practices used to ensure justice is located within the US Constitutions Fourth Amendment. This restricts officers to perform search and seizures without probable cause. The amendment allows human beings the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. Both practices mentioned show justice because being read your rights before being questioned allows an offender the choice to proceed with being questioned or to opt out and ask for legal assistance. Also the fourth amendment allows law enforcement