Page 1: Foundations of Criminal Justice

This page introduces fundamental concepts and definitions in criminal justice, laying the groundwork for understanding the system's complexities.

Definition: Crime is defined as the violation of society's laws by individuals or groups subject to those laws.

The criminal justice system is described as a major social institution responsible for controlling crime through various means, including detection, adjudication, and punishment or rehabilitation.

Vocabulary: Criminalization refers to the process of making a deviant act criminal by writing laws with defined sanctions, while decriminalization involves removing criminal status from an act.

Ethics in criminal justice guides behavior and decision-making within the system. The concept of victimhood is explored, including the controversial idea of victim precipitation.

Highlight: The notion of "victims of crime" did not exist until well into the 17th century, highlighting the evolving nature of criminal justice concepts.

The page also touches on different views of law creation, including pluralist/interactionist, consensus, and conflict perspectives, each offering unique insights into how laws are formed and implemented in society.

Page 3: Concepts of Criminal Law and Justice

This page explores the fundamental concepts of criminal law and the principles of justice and justness within the legal system.

Definition: Criminal wrongdoing or act refers to behaviors that harm society as a whole, rather than specific individuals or entities.

The page distinguishes between criminal, civil, and moral wrongdoings, highlighting the different legal and societal responses to each type of offense.

Example: In a civil case, the injured party (plaintiff) sues the party that caused harm (defendant) for damages, typically monetary compensation.

Vocabulary:

• Felony: An offense punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
• Misdemeanor: Less serious crimes with lighter punishments, such as public intoxication or graffiti.

The concept of "mala in se" is introduced, referring to acts that are inherently evil, such as murder.

Highlight: Understanding the characteristics of criminal law is crucial for differentiating between various types of legal violations and their corresponding societal responses.

The page emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between criminal and civil law, as the procedures, burdens of proof, and consequences differ significantly between these two branches of the legal system.

Quote: "When people violate the criminal law there are generally sanctions that include incarceration and fines."

This statement underscores the serious nature of criminal offenses and the punitive approach often taken by the criminal justice system.