Careers in the Criminal Justice Field
Careers in the criminal justice field include officers protecting citizens on the street, prosecutors and defense attorneys protecting everyone's rights and judges or magistrates imposing the letter of the law. Forensic scientists, technicians and paralegals also play an important roll in the justice system.
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Law Enforcement
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The requirements for becoming a law enforcement officer vary by state, but the minimum education required to apply is a high school diploma. Applicants are considered for detectives and other higher ranking positions based on their level of education, experience and work record. Many community colleges offer classes in law enforcement, and most colleges offer some type of criminal justice degree.
Lawyers
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To have a career as an attorney, you must complete four years of college, three years of law school and then pass the bar exam for your state. Your undergraduate bachelor's degree can be in anything, but you must first pass the LSAT, Law School Admissions Test. Once you are a lawyer, you have a choice to defend or prosecute the accused if you want a career in the criminal justice field. Paralegals support the attorneys by completing most of the case work. To become a paralegal, you can complete coursework and earn certification, earn a two- or four-year degree or learn through work experience directly out of high school.
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Judges and Magistrates
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Judges and magistrates are usually lawyers who have advanced beyond defending or prosecuting, but a law degree is not required. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, judges and magistrates only need a bachelor's degree and work experience. Judges and magistrates are appointed by committee or elected by the public, depending on the type of judgeship and the location. A magistrate is like a judge, but the powers vary based on where you live.
Forensics
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The science arena of the criminal justice field revolves around forensics. Careers include scientists and technicians who collect and analyze evidence, as well as psychiatrists and psychologists who analyze behavior. Lab technicians are certified through coursework and exams, while scientists, psychologists and psychiatrists earn degrees in their field then complete additional study specializing in forensics.
Salary
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Law enforcement salaries vary depending on the county, education and work experience. Patrol officers earn an average of $40,000 to $58,000 annually, plus benefits. Judges' and magistrates' salaries range from $138,000 to $175,000 on average, while attorneys have a median average salary of 65,000 and up, depending on the specialty and the location where they practice. Forensic technicians earn an average of $35,000 to $55,000, while forensic scientists make $41,000 to $78,000 annually.
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