ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the criminal justice system of the United States. The criminal justice system begins with the detection of crime, proceeds through investigation, arrest, initial appearance before the court, charging, trial, sentencing, and possible revocation, and ends with discharge. Violent crimes have traditionally been reported at higher rates than property crimes, with the exception of sexual assault and rape. Still, nearly half of violent crime victims do not report to the police. Sentencing power is shared among the three branches of the government: legislative branch, judicial branch and executive branch. Some examples illustrate the manner in which environmental pressures and agency changes have system-wide effects: changing attitudes toward drunk driving, the focus on homeland security, the "war" on drugs, and the redefinition of domestic violence arrest policies. The chapter also examines the nature of criminal justice agencies in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
