Criminal Justice
/ˈkrɪmɪnl ˈdʒʌstɪs/
Definitions
- (n.) The system of practices and institutions for enforcing criminal law, including law enforcement, prosecution, defense, adjudication, and corrections.
Reforms in criminal justice aim to balance public safety with defendants' rights.
- (n.) The academic discipline that studies the administration, policies, and impact of the criminal justice system.
She earned a degree in criminal justice to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term encompasses both the practical legal system dealing with crime and the scholarly field analyzing it; clarity depends on context.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.