The Evolution of the Criminal Justice System

Lesallan Bostron – July 2, 2024

The Evolution of the Criminal Justice System

Lesallan Bostron

Ohio Christian University

CJU1010 Introduction to Justice Systems (ONL24F1)

Professor Quinn

July 2, 2024

Dive into the criminal justice system’s historical evolution to comprehend its current structure and functioning. This paper seeks to analyze the impact of early organizational structures and legal principles on the modern criminal justice system, to lay a foundation for prospective reforms and enhancements (Masters, 2021).

The ancient civilization of Mesopotamia is known for establishing one of the earliest legal codes, the Code of Hammurabi. This code emphasized retributive justice and featured punishments tailored to the crimes committed. It set the stage for a legal system where laws were transparent and applied consistently (The Evolution of Criminal Justice Systems—A Historical Overview, 2023).

During the Fifth Dynasty, ancient Egypt established a structured police force and judiciary. Judicial officials were assigned to administer legal affairs, while the police were tasked with upholding public order and capturing wrongdoers (The Most Important Events in Criminal Justice History, n.d.).

The ancient Chinese prefecture system, which exemplifies the strength of local governance, featured local magistrates tasked with law enforcement and justice administration. This system, emphasizing the community’s role in upholding order, reverberates throughout history, shaping the contemporary criminal justice system (The Historiography of Crime and Criminal Justice, 2016).

During the Middle Ages in medieval Europe, the Catholic Church wielded a significant and enduring influence over the criminal justice system. Local lords often dispensed justice through a method called trial by ordeal, in which the accused underwent physical trials to establish guilt or innocence. With its power to bestow pardons and reduce sentences, the Church had a lasting and profound impact on the justice system (Masters, 2021).

Significant philosophical shifts occurred during the Enlightenment period. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Cesare Beccaria advocated for criminal justice reform. They emphasized the importance of proportional punishment and the reduction of the death penalty. Beccaria’s influential work, “On Crimes and Punishments,” proposed a more rational and humane approach to justice. This period marked a movement towards more humane forms of punishment, like imprisonment, and the development of legal principles that prioritized the rights of the accused (Masters, 2021).

During the Industrial Revolution, the swift urbanization resulted in a surge in crime, which in turn led to the establishment of professional police forces. Additionally, this era marked the construction of prisons focused on rehabilitating rather than just punishing criminals. Notably, the implementation of probation and parole aimed to help reform offenders and facilitate their reintegration into society (Masters, 2021).

Substantial reforms were introduced in the 20th century, encompassing the implementation of trials by jury and the growth of the prison system. These changes mirrored an increasing focus on due process and the rights of the accused. Developments in technology, including advancements in forensic science and digital surveillance, have revolutionized contemporary criminal justice procedures, rendering them more streamlined and impactful (Masters, 2021).

The historical development of the criminal justice system reflects an ongoing evolution shaped by dynamic social, political, and technological factors. A comprehensive understanding of this historical context is imperative for guiding future reforms and upholding the system’s integrity and efficacy (Masters, 2021).

Blessings In Christ,

Lesallan

References:

Masters, R. (2021). CJ: realities and challenges. McGraw-Hill Education.

The Evolution of Criminal Justice Systems – A Historical Overview. (2023). Retrieved from

https://www.lawnewsnetwork.com/the-evolution-of-criminal-justice-systems

The Most Important Events in Criminal Justice History. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.criminaljusticedegreehub.com/important-events-criminal-justice-history

The Historiography of Crime and Criminal Justice. (2016). Retrieved from

https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28100/chapter/212185033