Criminal Justice System CBSE Notes Class 8 Civics

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Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

➥ The Criminal Justice System is a framework for maintaining law and order and protecting society from crimes. It ensures justice by addressing violations of the law, punishing offenders, and rehabilitating them. It works through various stages, involving investigation, prosecution, trial, and rehabilitation.

Main Source of Rules

➥ The laws and procedures governing the criminal justice system are derived from the Constitution, legal statutes, and judicial precedents. Important laws include:

1. The Indian Penal Code (IPC)
2. The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
3. The Evidence Act

Prudence or Discretion

➥ The system emphasizes fairness and rational decision-making at every stage. Judges and law enforcement officials must exercise prudence to ensure justice while adhering to the law.

Significant Steps in the Criminal Justice System

1. Criminal Investigations: Police investigate crimes, collect evidence, and prepare a charge sheet.
2. Arrest of a Suspect: Suspects are arrested based on evidence or reasonable suspicion.
3. Prosecution: The state represents the case to prove the accused guilty in court.
4. Indictment: A formal accusation or charges are presented to proceed with the trial.
5. Arraignment: The accused appears before a judge, and the charges are read to them.
6. Pretrial Detention and Bail: If the accused cannot be released on bail, they are detained until the trial.
7. Plea Bargaining: The accused negotiates for a lesser charge in exchange for pleading guilty.
8. Trial/Adjudication of Guilt: Evidence and arguments are presented, and a verdict is reached.
9. Sentencing: If guilty, the judge imposes punishment, such as fines or imprisonment.
10. Appeals: The accused can appeal to a higher court if they believe the verdict was unfair.
11. Punishments and Rehabilitation: The system ensures offenders are rehabilitated to prevent future crimes.

The Criminal Justice Funnel and the Constitution

➥ The Criminal Justice Funnel illustrates how the number of cases reduces as they move through various stages. The Constitution guarantees rights such as:

1. Right to Equality: Article 14
2. Right to Protection from Arbitrary Arrest: Article 22
3. Right to Legal Aid: Ensures fair trials

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Prepared by Pratap Sanjay Sir. For more notes, visit the official blog.