Dr. Terry M. Mors, Ed.D.
© 2010
What is the definition of crime?
There are multiple definitions
But basically, it is … conduct that
violates criminal law, for which there is
no legally accepted justification or
excuse.
Mors
Copyright 2010
The theme for this course is:
Individual rights vs. Public order
Individual Rights
The desire to protect:
 freedoms and
privileges
of citizens
 respect rights of those
facing criminal
prosecution
 individual rights
advocates seek to
protect
personal freedoms and
civil rights
Mors
Copyright 2010
Public Order
Recognition that:
 society has a valid
interest in preventing
future crime, in public
safety, and in reducing
harm caused by crime
 public order advocates
believe that interests
of
society should take
precedence over
individual rights
The Basis for Policy
… the tension between individual rights
and social responsibility forms the basis
for most criminal justice policy-making
activity.
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Copyright 2010
What is Justice?
… a powerful, yet elusive phrase
… principle of fairness, the ideal of moral
equity…
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The American Criminal
Justice System
Core components:
1. Law Enforcement
2. Courts
3. Corrections
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Police
Enforce laws
Investigate Crimes
Apprehend Offenders
Reduce and Prevent Crime
Maintain Public Order
Ensure Community Safety
Provide Emergency Services & Assist Other
Agencies
Protect the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of
all Individuals
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Criminal Courts
Conduct Fair and Impartial Trials
Decide Criminal Cases
Ensure Due Process
Determine Guilt or Innocence
Impose Sentences
Uphold the Law
Ensure Fairness in the Trial Process
Protect the Rights & Freedoms of Those Being
Processed Through the Criminal Justice
System
Provides a Check and Balance of Power by Other
Criminal Justice Agencies
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Corrections
Carry Out Sentences Imposed by the
Courts
Provide Safe & Humane Custody
Supervise offenders (Inmates)
Protect the Community
Rehabilitate, Reform, and Reintegrate
Convicted Offenders Back into the
Community
Respect the Legal and Humane Rights of
the Convicted
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Police Investigation & Arrest
Police become aware of a violation of
law through either:
proactive law enforcement
or
reactive law enforcement
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Police Investigation & Arrest
The modern justice process begins with
investigation.
 Usually, police respond to calls about
crimes that have been committed.
Occasionally, police discover crimes
in progress.
 Police gather evidence at the scene
and try to reconstruct events.
 Arrests may occur at the scene or
after an extensive investigation.
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Copyright 2010
Courts
The U.S. Courts carries out justice. They
ensure that due process take place.
Judges, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys,
Bailiffs, Court Reporters, Juries, and
Witnesses, are all a part of the courts.
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Due Process: Procedural Fairness
The entire justice process must be
conducted fairly and with equity and
according to due process standards.
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Due Process
Due process underlies the first
10 amendments to the Constitution,
collectively known as the Bill of Rights.
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Corrections
Once sentenced, the “corrections” phase
begins.
Prisons, Jails, Community Corrections are
all forms of corrections.
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Multiculturalism and Diversity
in Criminal Justice
American society is multicultural.
Diverse values, perspectives, and
behaviors influence the justice system.
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End
Mors
Copyright 2010