The criminal justice system is a term used to describe the combined set of practices and institutions that study criminal behavior, enforce justice and provide defense and rehabilitation for those accused of crimes. In the U.S., justice system components include:
The American justice system encompasses a number of careers related to any of the institutions listed above. Careers in the justice system may also extend into academia, as the theoretical study of criminal justice is an expanding field. Many enter the justice system and the field of criminology to explore the science and sociology underlying criminal behavior, forensics and ethics.
In order to become a law enforcement officer, students and applicants must take a variety of courses that cover the complexities of the U.S. justice system. Law enforcement coursework also provides the skills required to apprehend those accused of crimes and gather the evidence necessary to conduct criminal trials.
A strong understanding of the criminal justice system is a necessary component of a criminal law degree. In order to become a prosecuting or defense attorney, a student must complete courses in criminal behavior, criminology and criminal law. These courses also help those who wish to enter the judiciary system to provide support to judges or lawyers.
Those who draft laws, uphold and change them constitute another important component of the criminal justice system; this can include members of lawmaking bodies like the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, but it can also comprise a wide variety of lobbyists and activists who work and advocate for social justice.