How to Understand the Criminal Justice System
Understanding the criminal justice system and how it works is no easy feat. Although some principles in the U.S. Constitution apply to the criminal justice system in general, specific laws and procedures differ across jurisdictions because criminal justice is primarily a state government responsibility although there is a federal system that prosecutes violations of federal law. The criminal justice system may seem confusing, but there are some basic steps you can take to increase your understanding of how the wheels of justice turn in your area.
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Instructions
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Understanding How the Criminal Justice System Works
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1
Read the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments). Most Americans profess to cherish this founding document; yet a survey by the Columbia University Law School found that many Americans do not know what is in it. (See Reference 1.) Reading the Bill of Rights is especially important for understanding the criminal justice system as these 10 amendments articulate some basic principles, such as the right to a jury trial and the protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and cruel and unusual punishment.
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2
Enroll in an introductory criminal justice class at your local community college. Many community colleges offer associate's degree programs in criminal justice. Tuition and fees at community colleges are much lower than their university counterparts, making this an inexpensive way to learn about the criminal justice system.
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Take an online course in criminal justice as an alternative to Step 2 if there is no community college in your area, or if your local college's classes and times do not fit your work schedule. Distance learning is a convenient, cost-effective way to learn more about almost any subject, including the criminal justice system and how it works.
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Ask your criminal justice course instructor to suggest additional reading or sources through which you can learn more and gain an even greater understanding of the criminal justice system in your area.
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5
Observe a criminal court trial at your local courthouse. Courts are public bodies, and therefore their proceedings are open to the public. However, the presiding judge may close some proceedings, such as juvenile trials, to the public. The judge also can limit public access because of available seating in courtrooms. You can contact the court clerk for information on the court's docket or slate of pending cases.
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