Introduction
The United States has one of the very elaborate criminal justice structures with each component playing crucial and peculiar roles. An analysis of these components indicates that they are interrelated and hence form what is commonly referred to as criminal justice system (Wadman, 2009). They are designed to complement each other in the execution of responsibilities since no single component can do everything. The components are organized at different levels; the state, city and county levels (Schmalleger, 2010). However, five major components of the American criminal justice system can be identified. They are: law enforcement, the judiciary, prosecution and correctional agencies.
Law Enforcement
This is one of the most dominant aspects of the system since it is the first component encountered by both the crime victims and the criminals. The agency is found at the federal, state and local level organized in departments. Each of the department is responsible for enforcing law, property protection, and crimes committed within the respective territory (Schmalleger, 2010). The police officers are allowed to exert force when the situation demands. The main duties of this component are the reception and documentation of crucial information about reported crimes, launching investigations of the crimes, collecting sufficient evidence, and arresting crime suspects as investigations continue.
Prosecution
The component involves the presentation of the suspected offenders to face justice. During this stage, the court specifies the date when the alleged offender is tried (Wadman, 2009). The suspected criminal enjoys particular rights which must not be denied during arrest and prosecution stages. An individual is entitled to speedy trial, representation by legal experts, the right to be heard, as well as the right to be updated concerning court proceedings. The prosecution and defence are usually in opposition. The key function of this stage is to represent the state from the moment of first appearance in court to the ultimate sentencing of the accused.
Defence Attorney
Defence attorneys are supposed to argue against the allegations put forward by the government prosecutor concerning the defendant. The accused may hire own attorney or in instances where he/she cannot afford, the court usually makes arrangements for the same (Schmalleger, 2010). The y main function of an attorney is to ensure that the defendant is taken through the justice system as per the law.
The Judiciary
The component is responsible for facilitating proceedings at the court. The judge assigned to a given case is responsible for ensuring that the rule of law prevails at all phases. He/she gives rulings on all matters touching on law (Schmalleger, 2010). The key role of the judge, therefore, is to either declare the suspect innocent or find the offender guilty of crime and read out the sentence.
Corrections
It is the final stage of the criminal justice system. The component involves serving a specified prison term, parole and other alternatives as may be determined by the judiciary (Wadman, 2009). A judges may alternatively rule that an offender be put under house arrest, or be put on probation under close supervision in the community. The key functions of staff in this phase include the maintenance of security of a given property, supervision, offering medical care as well as arranging for releases (Schmalleger, 2010).
References
Schmalleger, F. (2010). Criminal Justice System Today: An Introductory Text For The 21st Century (11th ed). Prentice Hall.
Wadman, R. C. (2009). Police theory in the US: old traditions and new opportunities (8th ed). Charles C. Thomas Plc.