The Philosophical Foundations of the American Criminal Justice System Research Paper

The Philosophical Foundations of the American Criminal Justice System - Research Paper Example Some years after the independence before the alteration of its constitution, the courts were using a replica of the Great Britain courts. One reason that prompted a change in the constitution was that the British law did not offer equal justice and was favoring the English. Among the amendments that were made in the constitution was provision of due process that still exists in current U.S constitution that suspect possesses the right to be informed of accusations brought against him before appearing on the court and prepare for appropriate defense. The American police are responsible in the attainment of goals of the American criminal justice. They do this by arresting crime suspects, investigating crime, as well as facilitating correction. The American law enforcement is no exception of what America inherited from the Great Britain. Retribution is a method of punishment. Correction aims at reforming criminals and reshaping them to fit in the society. Yet again, it is important to remember that The American criminal Justice System borrows heavily from the Great Britain this notion of correction. Rehabilitation can be discussed under correction; however, it is far much better and humane form of punishment. As opposed to correction, which is a vindictive approach to crime, rehabilitation seeks to help convicted criminals to conform, embrace good moral behavior, and become useful members of the society. While The American criminal Justice has aims and principles that govern its operations, it is also founded on a philosophy.