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What is criminal justice?
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Christina Neider, EdD, Associate Provost of Colleges
An overview of criminal justice
A wide range of jobs falls under this broad umbrella. A corrections officer, a homicide detective, an FBI agent and a paralegal, for example, are all part of the criminal justice system. Some investigate crimes, some prosecute suspects in court, and others maintain custody of criminals after they have been found guilty.听
The three main fields within the system 鈥斕齦aw enforcement, the criminal courts, and corrections听鈥 require different skills and cover hundreds of jobs and specializations. Despite their differences, however, these fields work together to administer justice after a criminal act.听
The three core disciplines
The jobs that exist within the criminal justice system can be categorized into three core disciplines: law enforcement, the courts and corrections. These disciplines are deeply connected, and the role of one discipline can affect the role of another.听
Law enforcement
Individuals in law enforcement are involved in the听deterrence and investigation of crimes. They include police officers, detectives, federal agents and forensic specialists (such as听forensic accountants听and pathologists). They play a key role in finding the people who commit crimes, as well as discovering the evidence that can prove their guilt or innocence in a court of law.听
The courts
Judges, lawyers and paralegals听work together in the court system to ensure that people who have been accused of committing crimes are treated fairly. These individuals seek justice, both by defending the person accused and by presenting evidence that has been found against them.听
Lawyers and judges need law degrees and must pass the bar exam in their state before they can practice law. Paralegals do not need that level of education, but they do usually need an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree.
No matter their role in the court system, all parties need to have extensive knowledge of the local, state and federal laws applicable to the case being tried.听
The courts work with law enforcement to find evidence of crimes and to provide testimony. After a conviction, they work with the field of corrections by determining the length and nature of a person鈥檚 punishment, as well as non-institutional sentencing, programs and probation.听听
Corrections
The field of corrections focuses on a person鈥檚 time after they have been found guilty of a crime. Correctional officers听guard inmates in prisons听in both the adult and juvenile areas and ensure that they behave in a safe and orderly manner while in custody.听These professionals also aid in the rehabilitation of inmates and must therefore be effective communicators.
Parole officers听help inmates adjust to life outside of prison. They supervise community service and regularly check in with former inmates to make sure they are following the terms of their parole.听
Education requirements for criminal justice careers
The criminal justice system offers a wide variety of careers with employment options for people of all levels of education and job experience.听While many agencies differ on the required education level to start, it鈥檚 important to know what level of education is required for different jobs. This can help students set goals, register for the appropriate degree programs, get the degree听most suitable for them and eventually find a job they are qualified for and interested.听
High school diploma or other industry certifications
Correctional officers, bailiffs and security guards need to have at least a high school diploma. However, the requires correctional officers to have a bachelor鈥檚 degree or one to three years of relevant experience. These jobs involve handling a weapon, working directly with people being tried in the courts and ensuring the safety of other people. On-the-job training is a vital part of these professions.听
While requirements vary among states and regions, there are some places in the United States where a high school diploma is all that is needed to enter a police academy and train to become a police officer. It鈥檚 important to note, however, that many agencies require at least some college courses to enter an academy.听
Associate degree
An听associate degree in criminal justice听can be a foundation to help provide the necessary education and skills to enter the profession. This associate degree may also help enhance or specialize in a career for those who already work in the system.听
For example,听depending听on the organization, an听associate degree can provide a corrections officer with the educational foundation to pursue roles like corrections corporal, corrections sergeant or corrections specialist.听
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor鈥檚 degree provides a听higher, more specialized level of education. For example, students can gain skills necessary to apply to become a police captain or detective. A degree gives students the knowledge and skills necessary for听more responsibility, leadership and difficult caseloads听when working in law enforcement.
A听bachelor鈥檚 degree in correctional program support services听may help prepare for a career as a case manager or social services support assistant.
Master's degree
A master鈥檚 degree provides very specialized knowledge in a given field. For example, a听master of science in the field can provide the educational foundation for higher-level positions, such as police chief, detective supervisor or professor. A master鈥檚 degree may not be required for these positions, but may be preferred by an agency.
A听public administration master's听can provide the educational foundation for opportunities in local government, policy or nonprofit organizations that advocate for reform or help formerly incarcerated individuals.听
For individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or corrections or as a peace officer with any particular local, state, federal, tribal or international agency, there are numerous additional qualifications (and often disqualifications), depending on the position.
Before enrolling in a program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of position requirements.
Careers in criminal justice
Because it鈥檚 such a large and diverse field, criminal justice offers many career options. Let's explore a few across the three core branches.
Law enforcement
Careers in law enforcement include jobs as police captains, detectives and federal agents. People with a variety of skills can find a job in law enforcement. Those who like numbers and finances can pursue careers as听forensic accountants. Those interested in science can find work in crime scene investigation and forensic pathology.听
The courts
Working in criminal courts or a related government agency is a way to bring justice to victims. Careers in the court system include lawyers, paralegals and judges, as well as court reporters and court clerks. Probation officers are another role that falls under the courts. These professionals are responsible for supervising and assisting in the rehabilitation of criminal offenders who were sentenced to probation rather than sent to prison.听
Corrections
Corrections also offers a variety of job opportunities in the prison system, including work as a case manager, parole officer, bailiff and correctional officer. These roles are essential for the proper and seamless function of the system.
Learn about criminal justice programs
果冻视频 offers several online criminal justice programs:
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Correctional Program Support Services
- Master of Public Administration
If you're interested in learning more about education, reach out to a 果冻视频 admissions representative..
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 果冻视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Christina Neider is the associate provost of colleges and former dean of the 果冻视频 College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.听Neider鈥檚 career spans more than 30 years in academia, healthcare and the U.S. Air Force. She has held several academic leadership roles at 果冻视频, and she is the Vice President of membership for the Arizona Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
This article has been vetted by 果冻视频's editorial advisory committee.听
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