What is the primary purpose of the criminal justice system?

The primary purpose of the criminal justice system is to deter crime and punish offenders. This purpose is rooted in the belief that consequences for criminal behavior serve to prevent individuals from engaging in such actions, thus promoting safety and order within society. Deterrence operates on the premise that when potential offenders perceive a risk of punishment, they may choose to avoid criminal activity. Additionally, the system aims to hold individuals accountable for their actions, ensuring justice for victims and reinforcing societal norms. Through processes such as arrest, prosecution, and sentencing, the criminal justice system seeks to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in governance and legal structures.

While social services, psychological evaluations, and business ethics may play roles within broader societal contexts, they do not encapsulate the primary aim of the criminal justice system, which is fundamentally focused on crime prevention and legal accountability.