UNITI

INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Specific Objectives: At the end of the unit, the students should be able to:
1. explain the Concept of the Philippine Criminals Justice System;
2. evaluate and analyze the course of the criminal justice system;
3. enumerate the components of the criminal justice system; and
4. describe the criminal justice system as a whole. Page 11

INTRODUCTION:
Criminal Justice System is the machinery used by the society to prevent and control crime. It
is a tool of a Democratic Government to protect the society against criminality and other peace and
order problem.
In theory, Criminal Justice System is an integrated apparatus that is concerned with the
following;
apprehension,
prosecution,
trial,
conviction,
sentencing and
rehabilitating or correcting criminal offenders.

The process is the totality of the activities of law enforcers, prosecutors, defense lawyers, judges
and correctional institutions, as well as those of mobilized community in crime prevention and control.
Basically, the Criminal Justice System in the American context is initially made up of three key
components - the police, the court and the corrections. ·
Criminal Justice System in the Philippines was expanded to achieve its objectives - prevention
and control of crimes.

Definition of terms

Crime
It is an act or omission punishable by law.
Act
Any bodily movement tending to produce some effect.
Omission
It refers to the failure to perform a specified act.
Criminal Law
A branch of law that defines crimes, treats of their nature and provides for their punishment.

Types of Crime
1. Felony
Any act punishable by the Revised Penal Code of the PhilipP.ines.
2. Offense
Any act punishable by Special Penal Laws.
3. Misdemeanor or Delinquency
Any act which is in violation of simple rules and regulations.

Features of Criminal Law

1. Politicality
Laws are constructed by political authorities.
2. Specificity
Precised in stating what must be done.
3. Uniformity
Equal to all persons.
4. Penal Sanction.
Provides punishment.

Characteristics of Criminal Law