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The criminal justice system has 5 main pillars. These are law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and community corrections. Each pillar works independently to maintain order in the country and each plays an important role in the long-term success of our system. According to a survey report, in 2022 Philippines ranked 13th out of 15 countries in the Asia Pacific region in the field of criminal justice. There are exceptions to this structure; however, most jurisdictions follow these five pillars in some shape or form when addressing criminal behavior.
First pillar: Police
The first pillar of the
criminal justice system is the police. Its main function is to maintain law and
order, investigate crime and apprehend suspects. They are often the first to
respond to a criminal incident and are responsible for initiating the criminal
justice process. The police also act as a deterrent to potential criminals by
patrolling public areas and providing visibility. Their efforts help protect
citizens from crime, support victims of crime, and bring criminals to justice.
Second Pillar: Prosecutor
The Prosecutor is the
second pillar of criminal justice system and is responsible for representing
the state and bringing criminal charges against those accused of breaking the
law. They act as both an advisor to the court and the police while ensuring
that justice is served to the victim.
They serve as the voice of the people, helping ensure the rights of victims are
protected and that the accused receive a fair trial. They are expected to
protect the rights of citizens, by ensuring that no one is treated unfairly and
that any punishment handed down is fair.
Third pillar: Courts
The courts are a
fundamental part of the 5 pillars of
criminal justice system. They have an essential role in delivering justice
by determining guilt or innocence and ensuring the fair and impartial
application of laws. The courts ensure that due process rights are observed and that the accused has access to legal representation. Ultimately, the courts ensure
that justice is served, both for victims and perpetrators of crime.
Fourth Pillar: Corrections System
The role of the
corrections system is to help rehabilitate offenders while maintaining public
safety. This includes incarcerating those convicted of serious crimes,
monitoring probationers, and providing assistance to help released individuals
successfully transition back into society. It also provides programs and
services such as counseling, education, and job training to help inmates
develop the skills they need to lead productive and crime-free lives.
Fifth Pillar: Community Corrections
The 5th pillar of the criminal justice system is community
corrections. Community corrections are a vital part of the criminal justice
system. The role of restorative justice is to repair the harm done to victims
and the community through dialogue and reparations. This pillar focuses on the
rehabilitation of offenders through parole, probation, work release programs,
halfway houses, and other forms of supervision. The primary goal of community
corrections is to reduce recidivism, or the rate of individuals returning to
prison after release. By providing offenders with education, employment
assistance, and other resources, the community corrections system works to help
keep individuals from returning to criminal behavior. All of these pillars work
together to promote justice, accountability, and fairness in criminal cases.
Conclusion:-
These 5 pillars of criminal justice system are essential for upholding
the law and ensuring justice. The pillars, law enforcement, the judiciary,
corrections, the prosecution, and the defense, all play an important role in
ensuring the criminal justice system functions properly. Each pillar serves its
own purpose and works together to ensure that criminal justice is served. With
all five pillars working in harmony, our criminal
justice system can be effective in protecting citizens and enforcing the
law.
Read Also: 5 Pillars of Criminal Justice System in the Philippines
Read Also: Rule of Law in the Philippines
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