Michael Haney and Jennifer Hudnall
University of Phoenix
Criminal Justice Policy Analysis
CJA/464
Lyle Martin
February 26, 2013
Policy Analysis II
The criminal justice system of the United States remains influenced because of probable cause, police discretion, and judicial discretion concerning criminal misconduct. This material reviews the history of policing, and the court system. This examination analyzes probable cause, police discretion, and how these components influence law enforcement and the courts. Additionally, this assessment reviews the influence for law enforcement, studies police operations, and observes various decision-making processes. Furthermore, this investigation scrutinizes the judicial discretion process, reviews different influences for the courts, reviews diverse court operations, and examines other decision-making processes.
History of Policing
The United States received most of its policing ideas from Great Britain. During the 18th century, the idea of policing began its evolution. Individuals, clans, and families assumed the responsibility for taking revenge on any individual posing a threat, causing injury, or executing an offense. In one form or another, society dealt with any individual’s decision for committing a crime, even though no formal law enforcement agency existed. Prior to the early policing era, society designated specific individuals for maintaining security for each family, group, or clan. Some of the early forms of punishment during this period include branding, beating, or mutilating a criminal offender. These kinds of criminal disciplines progressed over time. For example, the Roman Empire maintained civil order with some kind of a military structure. This form of military policing ruled with an “iron-fist,” and used extreme measures for maintaining social law and order. During 1626, the city of New York founded the New York City Sheriff’s Office. This organization
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