The field of criminal justice involves a wide range of individuals, institutions, and technologies that have been designed to prevent and investigate crime. These include law enforcement, correctional agencies, and courts. In addition, the field encompasses a number of areas, including research, policy, and the social sciences. There are several criminal justice-related majors available. Each one focuses on a different aspect of the field, and the degree can be tailored to a student's specific interests.
One of the most popular degrees is a bachelor of science in criminology. This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the forensic, legal, and ethical issues associated with crime and punishment. As such, many aspiring prosecutors, investigators, and lawyers find that this degree opens doors for a career in the criminal justice sector. Students who choose this field of study also develop important skills in leadership, problem solving, and communication. Upon graduation, graduates may pursue careers in private security, local and federal law enforcement, rehabilitative services, or other fields.
Although the field of criminal justice can be exciting, it can also be stressful. Reports of racial profiling, sentencing discrepancies, and police brutality are common. Furthermore, delivering rehabilitative services can lead to emotional stress.
The study of the criminal justice system has evolved in the United States over the past few decades. In the early part of the century, the field was largely descriptive, based on observations of particular criminal justice agencies. Later, this Click Through to This Article research became quantitative and broader. Some of the first studies of this kind examined the effectiveness of prison rehabilitation programs. Others sought to identify the most effective criminal justice policies.
The field of criminal justice combines a number of academic disciplines, including psychology, philosophy, sociology, and political science. Additionally, the discipline involves a number of critical people, both professional and nonprofessional. For example, a prosecutor, a defense attorney, a judge, and a parole officer are all involved in the process. A successful career in the field requires empathy, speed, and accuracy.
One of the most notable achievements in the field of criminal justice was the creation of the National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement. This commission was established under the direction of Attorney General George Wickersham, and its report documented the problems with the criminal justice system. It included such things as a list of dangerous prison conditions, rampant police corruption, and police-community relations.
While the creation of the commission did not cure the system's problems, it did create a foundation for dramatic reform. Other accomplishments in this field include the introduction of an evidence-based practice that reduces crime incidents and diverts offenders to appropriate resources. Another is the establishment of the Department of Justice, which provided grants for college study to thousands of criminal justice personnel.
Today, the field of criminal justice is an exciting and growing discipline. Criminal justice-related majors can be found at colleges throughout the nation, and they can be tailored to individual students' needs and interests.