The_Criminal_Justice_System

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1 The Criminal Justice System Student`s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Instructor Date

2 The Criminal Justice System Introduction It is now important that one makes a final assessment regarding what one has learned from the lectures and readings in criminal justice during this last semester. In this paper, I intend to discuss the complexities of the criminal justice system and determine if it effectively fulfills its mandate or actually brings about justice. Also, I will make general comments on the criminal justice system as a whole, taking into account the possibility that some perspectives may have changed during the semester. Lastly, this essay will look at working in the criminal justice system and highlight its preferred aspect, if there is one, and why it was chosen. The Purpose of the Criminal Justice System: The criminal justice system is a vital part of society because it plays many important roles in maintaining a fair and well-ordered society. Its main goals include maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and providing fair justice. The system involves a variety of institutions and procedures, which are meant to protect both individual rights and legal bounds. However, evaluating the efficiency of the criminal justice system is complex and somewhat subjective since it implies the walk on the thin line between punishment and respect for human rights. This is an ongoing discourse on its effectiveness. It reveals a need for review and changes as the justice system evolves in a dynamic and pluralistic society. The major reason for the existence of criminal justice is to keep society in order, offer protection to its people, and give justice to the committed crime acts. Nonetheless, the attainment of these goals has been disputed. Based on the information in the readings and lectures, one can see that the criminal justice system has major problems to deal with. As Mauer and Ghandnoosh

3 point out in their 2014 policy brief, one key problem is that society places too much emphasis on imprisonment as a means of dealing with crime. Emphasis on imprisonment raises concern about the community, recidivism among offenders, and fairness amongst offenders and the public. Moreover, the aim to create a fair and safe society is complicated by different factors and problems which include racial disparity, ineffective delivery of legal services, and changing types of crime. To overcome these multi-dimensional challenges, an integrative approach that encompasses social, economic, and legal dimensions must be employed in developing sound crime policy. Mauer & Ghandnoosh (2014) argue with the common sense perception that when the prison population is reduced, society experiences increasing crime levels. Unlike this assumption, the authors propose other methods that include rehabilitation and community-based programs as effective approaches rather than punitive measures. They argue that the causes of crime should be addressed as punishment will not address these. The possibility of a societal shift that will encourage rehabilitation as opposed to imprisonment may be sufficient to break the circle in the criminal world. Mauer and Ghandnoosh's perspective makes it necessary to re-look criminal justice policies and come up with multi-tiered alternatives outside the box of imprisonment. Such a view is in line with recent notions of justice that see crime reduction as more than punishment and should target the causes and promote rehabilitation as a broader and more permanent solution. Justice Achieved or Hindered Pfaff (2020) asks, if not now, when will the criminal justice system be effective because, indeed, it is complicated? At the heart of his argument lies the widespread phenomenon of mass incarceration and the disturbing trend of focusing on particular communities in a

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4 disproportionate manner. According to Pfaff, the systemic problems that are discussed here provide very strong hurdles that stop the system from administering justice equally. Mass incarceration is a significant concern both for its efficacy in rehabilitation and also for the fairness and equality principles. Furthermore, the unequal distribution of crime towards some groups exacerbates ongoing societal disparities. Therefore, Pfaff's analysis provides an extensive review of the present criminal justice system aimed at changing the current perception as well as creating a fairer management of justice. The Pew Center on the States explores the vastness of the criminal justice system and its deep reach. While the report is mainly geared towards reducing imprisonment rates, it delves into the intricate effects of incarceration on personal lives as well as surrounding communities. That is, what it indicates is that the adverse effects linger many years after the conclusion of imprisonment. This report provokes critical reflection on a system that exerts such great and enduring influence on such a large proportion of the population. In this way, it calls for critical scrutiny of the criminal justice system policies and practices in favor of changes that are geared towards ensuring justice, rehabilitation, and health of the concerned people and communities. Opinion of the Criminal Justice System Having gone through the semester coursework my initial confidence about the efficacy of the criminal justice system is now subject to critical re-evaluation. At first, I was convinced that the system could maintain order and law. However, after reading and hearing thought-provoking material, my position changed. The shades explored throughout the semester have made me think differently regarding the criminal justice system as a whole. Various themes involving systemic prejudice, inequality, and intricate sociocultural factors have shed light on the underlying struggles of the system. This new sense makes one think about change and reminds

5 one of the significance of tackling the system. My present perspective considers criminal justice in-depth as a multi-faced phenomenon. This allows me to analyze it both from the positive and negative aspects. The revelations concerning the systemic biases in the criminal justice system, particularly the racial bias and the excessive reliance on punishment, have informed my perspective to undergo transformation. Having read Pfaff's (2020) insights, I now realize that criminal justice reform will be challenging because there are many obstacles blocking effective solutions. Such revelation makes me appreciate the importance of significant broad-based reform that cannot be done with small adjustments anymore. It has been obvious that solving profound problems will demand a new approach to policies, actions, and culture. Through a wider viewpoint, concentrating on rehabilitation, equitable treatment, and fair administration of justice, we can strive to form an effective criminal justice system, that will be justifiable in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness for everyone., Aspects of the Criminal Justice System to Work In: In the intricately woven web of the criminal justice system, each of the multiple components invites us to reflect on which of them our influence might be strongest. To me, my resonance belongs to the area of rehabilitation and reintegration. Criminal behavior cannot be eradicated unless the root causes are eliminated, something that simply punitive measures cannot achieve. This perspective implies that successful reintegration of individuals requires reform and empowerment, which are more than punishment. Rehabilitating also goes a long way in helping society to overcome the criminal behavior syndrome and live a healthy life in the future. This commitment comes from a belief that the primary objective of criminal justice that is not merely punishment but rather the healing of the society and transforming the offender.

6 Working in rehabilitation in the criminal justice system allows us to understand and show care for justice. We look into the reasons why people commit crimes. The approach focuses on addressing underlying factors that may lead to self-actualization and a transformative lifestyle among people. Community-based programs and a strong support mechanism are crucial in helping to break the cycle of recidivism. Professionals can create meaningful impacts on community welfare by engaging in recovery programs. Such an approach provides for the reintegration of offenders and also a safer and more integrated community. It emphasizes the notion that a comprehensive approach toward handling the diverse elements of criminality can lead to a sustainable positive impact on individuals and society. Conclusion In conclusion, the analysis of the criminal justice system from the knowledge gathered in the semester shows the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Despite being designed to maintain order within society, this system has become problematic due to mass incarceration and prejudiced application across different groups in society. It is revealed in different readings and lectures how internal problems impede the achievement of justice. The criminal justice system has been subjected to personal opinions which have changed over the semester to recognize the necessity of holistic rather than partial shifts. The belief that criminal behavior should be dealt with at its source influences the preference to work within the criminal justice system and focus on rehabilitation. Continual self-reflection, open discussion, and reform are necessary as society struggles with the intricacies of criminal justice that it does not want.

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7 References Mauer, M., & Ghandnoosh, N. (2014). Fewer prisoners, less crime: A tale of three states. Policy Brief, The Sentencing Project . Pfaff, J. (2020, June 25). Locked up: John F. Pfaff. Locked Up Why the movement for criminal justice is stalled. https://thebaffler.com/salvos/locked-up-pfaff The Pew Center On The States one in 31THE LONG REACH OF AMERICAN CORRECTIONS

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