The Three Major Components, Law Enforcement, Courts

The criminal justice system is divided into three major components, law enforcement, courts and corrections. Each component is essential in the conviction and punishment of offenders in the United States. Each division has its own separate tiers and departments, some being more extensive than others. Each part helps the system to function smoothly and efficiently.

Law enforcement is divided into three tiers, local, state, and federal. Local law enforcement is the most extensive of the three tiers, making up over seventy-five percent of total law enforcement. Local law enforcement is divided by counties and municipalities, usually with each having an appointed police chief or sheriff for a term of two to four years. Local law enforcement deals