The Criminal Justice Resource Page

Our criminal justice system is designed to uphold and enforce the law. Laws are necessary in order for society to function with some sort of control and order. Many variables are involved in the criminal justice system, from law enforcement to crime investigation to forensic science to rehabilitation. The field of criminal justice is an exciting one filled with possibilities for those interested in helping to maintain a free and orderly society.

Criminal Justice Information

Criminal justice begins with law enforcement, then moves to the court systems and finally to the penal system. In between these steps, many people work to ensure that criminals are apprehended and given a fair trial. Those who are found guilty are assessed the proper sentencing, while those who are acquitted are sent back into society. This system has worked in the United States for hundreds of years.

Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice

Juvenile offenders require special treatment in our criminal justice system. They do not go through the same court system or receive the same penalties as adult offenders. A segment of our criminal justice system is dedicated to treating these juveniles in the justice system and preventing them from becoming offenders in the first place. If we can stem the tide of juvenile delinquency, we can lessen the number of juveniles who become lawbreakers.

Police Agencies and Resources

Police are the first step in our criminal justice system. Law enforcement agencies uphold the law in communities, counties, states, and the federal system of our country. Police need the support of not only their fellow workers in criminal justice, but also of those they serve and protect. The job of a law enforcement officer is quite challenging, often dangerous, but ultimately rewarding.

  • Police Agency Structure of the United States – This site presents the various police agencies across the United States at the federal, state and local levels and offers links to their organizations.
  • National Association of Police Organizations – This coalition of police organizations across the United States advances the interests of law enforcement officers through legislature and advocacy.
  • COPS Office – A website of the U.S. Dept. of Justice, this organization represents community police forces. It discusses grants and resources to help in community policing.
  • International Association of Chiefs of Police – This organization is the oldest and largest nonprofit organization of police executives in the world, representing police from 89 countries.
  • National Sherrifs’ Association – This nonprofit organization represents sheriffs, deputies, chiefs of police, and others in the police field.
  • Police Executive Research Forum – This organization represents progressive police executives from cities, counties and states across the country. It researches and tries to change public policy.

Law Databases

Many law databases exist on the World Wide Web. These databases provide all sorts of information pertinent to the criminal justice system. Some of these offer statistics about crime and punishment, while others allow the user to access a variety of national and international laws. While some of these databases are accessible by anyone, others require either a law school affiliation or law enforcement credentials in order to be able to enter.

  • FedStats – This website offers links to statistics of interest to those working in criminal justice, from agencies, and from geographical jurisdictions across the United States.
  • International Humanitarian Law: Treaties & Documents – This site provides over 100 searchable treaties and documents on humanitarian law around the world.
  • Private International Law Database – Sponsored by the State Department, this site provides links to negotiations or ratification efforts involving international law. It also provides resources linking to organizations concerned with the development of private international law.
  • LexisNexis Law School Home Page – This database, which requires a username and password to access, is provided for law school students to search on a variety of criminal justice topics.
  • Global Cyber Law Database – Sponsored by the Asian School of Cyber Laws, this database lists international cyber laws which have been approved by the government and are applicable to actions taken while within a certain territory of the world.
  • Law Research – The Internet Law Library features a wide variety of law resources listed for use, including attorney directories, trial databases, and browsable and searchable law directories.
  • National Archive of Criminal Justice Data – This site provides searchable data on criminal justice topics, such as capital punishment, homicides in certain areas, and crime victims.

Forensics

Forensics is the science behind our criminal justice system. Various methods are used to process data scientifically and apply it to a criminal or civil case. Some of the topics of interest to forensic scientists are DNA evidence, blood, and fingerprints. More recent applications of forensics involve the use and collection of digital evidence acquired through modern-day technology.

  • Forensic Science Net Base – This electronic searchable library lists references for use by forensic criminal justice investigators. Subjects include arson investigation, disaster planning and recovery, and homeland security.
  • American Academy of Forensic Science – The official website of the organization advances the application of forensic science to the criminal justice system.
  • National Forensic Science Technology Center – This site supports the criminal justice system by researching, assessing, and evaluating the latest technology in forensic science.
  • American Forensic Medical Specialists – This website provides a database of forensic medical specialists who are available for use as medical expert witnesses in criminal trials.
  • Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence – Provided by the National Institute of Justice, this site offers a guide for law enforcement about how to deal with, process, and use digital evidence gathered concerning a crime.
  • What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence – Sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, this site provides information for law enforcement about the use, handling, and application of DNA evidence in connection with investigating a crime.
  • Forensic Science Society – This organization represents forensic scientists from more than 60 countries around the world. It encourages communication and collaboration among them.

Discussion Groups and E-Journals
Those working in and studying the criminal justice system need a way to communicate with others like them across the United States and around the world. Discussion groups are one way in which this can be done. Likewise, e-journals provide a review and analysis of topics of interest to those working in criminal justice and law enforcement. Many of the cases and issues covered in e-journals would not be accessible to all users if not for the electronic platform provided by the Internet.