Ch 5: The Criminal Justice Field
About This Chapter
The Criminal Justice Field - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
In the United States, the criminal justice field is not a one-size-fits-all kind of system. And it certainly didn't develop overnight. Throughout its history, the system has evolved into a multi-part, multi-function process with several stages, many of which are designed to protect both the accused and the victim. As you make your way through the chapter, you'll also explore the relationship our criminal justice system shares with social justice. In these lessons, you'll learn things like:
- How the U.S. criminal justice system developed over time
- What the major parts of the criminal justice system are
- What stages criminal cases follow today
- How services for victims' rights have developed over time
- What role the victim plays during criminal proceedings
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| The History and Development of the U.S. Criminal Justice System | Describe the historical roots of the U.S. criminal justice system and how it has evolved. |
| What is the Criminal Justice System? - Definition, Components and Problems | Provide a working definition of the U.S. criminal justice system, including its parts and problems. |
| The U.S. Criminal Justice Process: Definition and Steps | Define the process of criminal justice in the U.S., including its major steps. |
| Criminal Justice and Social Justice: The Issues of Equity and Fairness | In terms of equity and fairness, discuss how criminal justice relates to social justice. |
| Victims' Rights and Criminal Justice: History and Victims' Roles | Describe the historical roots of victims' rights services, as well as the expanding role of this stakeholder group in contemporary criminal proceedings. |
1. The History & Development of the U.S. Criminal Justice System
This lesson describes the development of the criminal justice system in the U.S. Specifically, you will learn how each of the three areas of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections) developed into the institutions they are today.
2. The U.S. Criminal Justice Process: Definition & Steps
In this lesson, you will learn about the process of American criminal justice. Several key features of each step in the process will be discussed including the stages of criminal case processing.
3. Criminal Justice & Social Justice: The Issues of Equity & Fairness
In this lesson, you will learn about the relationship between criminal justice and social justice. Additionally, this lesson applies the concepts of justice to wider notions of equity and fairness.
4. Victims' Rights & Criminal Justice: History & Victims' Roles
Criminals have certain rights, like the right to an attorney and a speedy trial, but so do victims. In this lesson, we'll examine the history of victims' rights and services, including how victims play a role in the judicial system today.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Criminal Justice 101: Intro to Criminal Justice course
- Introduction to Crime & Criminology
- Theories of Crime
- Types of Crime
- Victims & Victimization in Criminal Justice
- The U.S. Court System
- Constitutional Law in the U.S.
- Criminal Law in the U.S.
- The Criminal Trial in the U.S. Justice System
- The Sentencing Process in Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice Agencies in the U.S.
- Law Enforcement in the U.S.
- The Role of the Police Department
- Corrections & Correctional Institutions
- The Juvenile Justice System
- Studying for Criminal Justice 101
