What Makes Up the Criminal Justice System?
- Several public agencies represent the criminal justice system, including law enforcement and custodial institutions. These agencies enforce criminal law and carry out sentences for criminal convictions. Types of custodial institutions include prisons, jails, halfway houses and reformatories.
- Other components that play a role in the criminal justice system include trial and appellate courts, prosecuting attorneys and public defenders. Several entities associated with the court system, including bail bondsmen and parole officers, also play key roles in the system.
- Though they play no direct role in individual criminal court cases, elected officials and governing boards play an important role in the criminal justice system. These people help to develop criminal law and justice policies.
