Why Do We as a Society Need a Criminal Justice System Essay

Why do we (as a society) need a criminal justice system? Introduction As a society there is need for a criminal justice system, as it is essential to have laws throughout the population. We have these laws so people cannot use money or power to benefit themselves. The laws also establish that each person should understand their and everyone else’s rights and obligations within the community. The criminal justice system, is a system of laws and rulings which protect community members and their property. Therefore, the laws determine which acts are criminal and how the offender is punished. (Sallmann, P. and Wills, J. 1984 Criminal Justice in Australia, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.) The criminal justice system in†¦show more content†¦This institution requires the community, Courts and the Parole Board to all work together, to achieve the optimum result. (Community Corrections http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/corrservices/community_corrections/index.shtml) The criminal justice system is a complex social tree, the branches of this tree combine social and economic causes. It is often these other causes that determine the crimes committed and the response of the criminal justice system. These creators of crime can be sorted into two main groups: environmental risk factors and individual risk factors. Environmental risk factors include the physical, social, family, community, economic, cultural and political environments in which an individual lives For example, higher rates of unemployment can have an impact on levels of crime, which in turn will affect all sectors of the criminal justice system. Individual risk factors include mental and physical health status, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, attitudes and beliefs, and lifestyles and behaviour. These individual risk factors must also be considered when looking at the broader context of the criminal justice systems. (The National Criminal Justice Statistical Framework, Jul 2001.) Various researches have addressed different outlooks to explain why some people have a criminal tendency. Examples of these outlooks are by Cesare Lombroso and Sigmund Freud. Firstly, Lombroso statesShow MoreRelatedWhy Do We as a Society Need a Criminal Justice System?1179 Words   |  5 PagesWHY DO WE AS A SOCIETY NEED A CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM? Introduction The criminal justice system is comprised of a basic formation, the law enforcement agencies, the courts, and the correctional services. This system has existed since ancient times and although the three facilities haven’t completely been replaced over the centuries, there has been a lot of change and amendment to how the system is used to investigate, deter, and keep order and control in today’s society. It is a fundamental partRead MoreWhy Do We Need a Criminal Justice System?1140 Words   |  5 Pages It is not always clear why a criminal justice system is needed or indeed what it contributes to the functioning of a society. In the discussion that will follow, it will be argued that there are essentially four reasons why we do need to have a criminal justice system. First, it upholds the freedoms of individuals and maintenance of public order. Second, a criminal justice system instils fear in people and thus deterring illegal activities. Third, a good justice system provides rehabilitation andRead MoreIs Canadas Youth Justice System Fair and Equitable1259 Words   |  6 PagesThe Youth Justice System deals with 12-17 year olds in trouble with the law. It uses a rehabilitative method to deal with youth. It makes sure the youth are provided with meaningful consequences for their actions and then reintegrates them back into society. 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The societal trendsRead MoreCriminals Must Be Punished For Breaking The Laws Of The Land1489 Words   |  6 PagesCriminals need to be punished for breaking the laws of the land. However, the space in which we discipline those who do not respect the law is vanishing. So, what will we do with criminals once all our jails exceed their maximum capacity? Those who break the law pose a danger to our society which is why we developed the system of incarceration. Jails have functioned in our society to protect citizens, or those who obey the constitution. For years, our jails were able to separate criminals from obedientRead MoreJustice Vs Police Discretion1457 Words   |  6 Pages Justice V. Police Discretion and the â€Å"legalities† that go with it Griffin C. Brown Charleston Southern University  Abstract This paper explores the inequality in our criminal justice system today. Several examples were cited from movies, textbooks, court cases and articles on the topics, bringing to light the controversy that our society is dealing with every day. Our police force and court systems are being manipulated by the use of money to influence outcomes in trials, and it provides a prejudicialRead MoreThe Problem Of The Criminal Justice System930 Words   |  4 PagesSolutions needs to be found for each different factor. When considering our nations criminal justice system, it is vital that we focus more on providing mental health care, education, drug treatment, and counseling, rather than forcing all delinquents into jails and prisons. Imposing a life of loneliness, separation, and discrimination is harmful. These things do not promote change for the better. Optimism, effort and opportunity allow for change. This country has a broken criminal Justice System. OurRead Morepunishment for petty crimes1650 Words   |  7 Pagestwo, picking up garbage on a Saturday morning or paying a fine? I would gladly prefer the latter. The prison has a â€Å"revolving door† as if welcoming persons to come again. We need to replace this door with job services and opportunities and quality rehabilitation. A prison term is not the answer to petty crimes in our Bahamian society. The jail house is already surpassed its max capacity, take away persons there for traffic violations, littering, marijuana possession, shoplifting or other petty offences