Criminal justice system

Definition

The criminal justice system is a set of legal and social institutions for enforcing the criminal law according to a defined set of procedural rules and limitations. It includes law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities that work together to apprehend, prosecute, defend, sentence, and rehabilitate individuals accused or convicted of crimes.

Related terms

Law Enforcement: Agencies responsible for the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime.

Judiciary: The system of courts that interprets and applies the law in legal cases.

Corrections: Institutions like prisons and probation services that manage individuals convicted of crimes.