Overview
Criminal justice is the complex web of government agencies and processes tasked with enforcing laws, adjudicating guilt, and imposing punishment. It encompasses policing, courts, and corrections, each with its own history, internal dynamics, and societal impact. From the historical roots of punishment to contemporary debates on reform, this system is a constant site of tension between public safety, individual rights, and systemic biases. Understanding its mechanics is crucial for grasping how societies manage deviance and maintain order, or fail to do so equitably.