What is the formal criminal justice system?

Like on the popular television program Law and Order, the criminal justice system includes police who investigate crimes and attorneys who prosecute crimes. read more

A formal justice system is one in which laws are set and enforced and punishments are administered by state institutions such as courts, police, judges and prisons. There are very few places that don't have a formal justice system, though in some areas, one coexists with an informal system. read more

However, the criminal justice system is more complex than just this small glimpse on television. The criminal justice system is essentially a maze of agencies and processes that seek to control crime, minimize crime, and impose penalties for the commission of crimes. read more

Criminal justice is a process, involving a series of steps beginning with a criminal investigation and ending with the release of a convicted offender from correctional supervision. Rules and decision making are at the center of this process. read more