Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The justice system refers to the institutions, processes, and procedures responsible for maintaining law and order within a country. It includes courts, law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and legal frameworks.
Related terms
Rule of law: The principle that states all individuals are subject to the law, including government officials. It emphasizes equal treatment under the law and protection of individual rights.
Judicial independence: The idea that judges should be free from interference or influence when making decisions based on their interpretation of laws.
Legal pluralism: A situation where multiple legal systems coexist within a society (e.g., traditional customs alongside formal state laws).