1. The Criminal Justice System

2. Have control over who is arrested Police Discretion- Power to decide what crimes are reported Based on: 1. Severity of Offense 2. Wishes of the Victim 3. Attitude of Suspect 4. Bystanders

3. 1. Determines guilt or innocence 2. Assign Punishment 90% of cases are settled before reaching court Plea Bargain -Suspect pleads guilty to a lesser crime in order to obtain a lighter sentence

4. Attempt to do the following: 1. Retribution Act of revenge for society 2. Deterrence Discourage others from committing crimes 3. Rehabilitation Try to reform a criminal 4. Social Protection prohibits new offenses

5. Some argue that the corrections system is bad or flawed Recidivism- repetition of criminal behavior 62% of criminals are released and charged with a new crime 41% return to jail within 3 years of release