Assignment 1.1
CJ1220
Jonathan Ihnen
6 December 2011

Abstract In this paper I will be discussing the three components of the Criminal Justice System and three main functions of each. I will also explain how the creation of the Department of Homeland Security changed the structure of federal law enforcement along with whether or not its creation enhanced or hindered the coordination of federal law enforcement efforts.

Assignment 1.1 The American Criminal Justice System is a large and complex system consisting of many different people trying to complete many different tasks. As complex and sometimes confusing the system is, it can be broken down into three main parts. Those parts are: Police, Courts, and Corrections. Each part has very distinct roles. The roles of the police are to serve as the initial contact an offender has with the criminal justice system. The police are charged with maintain civil and social order. They also investigate wrong doings and make an arrest. After arrest, the offender then moves into the second part of the criminal justice system, the courts. The courts are where the offender is allowed to argue in his/her defense. In America, we offer the right to an attorney provided by the state, if the offender cannot afford a private one. The judge, or jury, will hear the case and all arguments by the prosecution and the defense, and then make a ruling. If the offender is found “not guilty,” he/she is released from the criminal justice system. If the offender is found “guilty,” he/she then moves into the third and final part of the criminal justice system, corrections. Corrections is where the punishment for being found guilty, is administered. Punishment can range from probation or parole to capital punishment or execution. Corrections also tries to rehabilitate the offender. If they can get the offender to not want