CJA/35
Criminal Law Evaluation Paper
The United States Criminal Justice system revolves around Criminal Law. Criminal Law is a vital part of the criminal justice system. According to “Cornell University law School” (2010), “criminal law involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that has been classified as a crime” (Criminal Law). Criminal law characterizes crime. The procedures for the rules of trials and punishments for the offenders are all set in place according to the criminal law rules. Criminal Law encompasses the rules and statutes that were written by Congress and state legislators pertaining to any criminal activity that causes harm to the general public, with penalties (“HG.org”, 1995-2011).
Purpose of Criminal Law Criminal law is important and it holds its importance mainly because it sets boundaries within society. Ashworth (2006), “This law’s purpose is to establish rules and boundaries within society and punish those that violate these societal regulations. Based on the nature of the offense, criminal law can dictate whether the individual responsible for the violation should be imprisoned or rehabilitated” (Principles of Criminal Law). Criminal law is needed to guide individual’s behavior and contain their activity. If there were no criminal law, there would be no repercussion for individuals whom violate the law.
What is Jurisdiction? Jurisdiction is the power to hear and determine cases. The courts have several types of jurisdiction, and they all relate to the power-either power over persons or power to hear and decide particular kinds of cases. Local, state, and federal are the most common jurisdictions. The location, and the class of crime committed are the main factors that will determine which department has jurisdiction of the crime. All jurisdictions should try and work well with one another and have patience so that they can begin working on getting the case
References: Ashworth, A. J. (2006), Principles of Criminal Law (5th ed.), Oxford: Oxford University Press. Cornell University Law School. (2010). Retrieved October 20, 2011from http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/criminal_law Criminal liability. (2011). Retrieved on October 20, 2011 from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/criminal-liability.html Rogers, A. (1998). Accomplish liability for unintentional crimes: remaining within the constraints of intent. Retrieved on October 24, 2011, from http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1315&context=lawfaculty&seiredir=1#search="Discuss+and+differentiate+the+concepts+of+criminal+liability+and+accomplice+liability." Schmalleger, F., Hall, D. E., & Dolatowski, J. J. (2010). Criminal Law Today (4th ed.). : Prentice Hall.