What does the criminal justice process encompass?

The criminal justice process encompasses a wide range of stages that an individual experiences from the moment of their arrest through to their reintegration into society. This comprehensive approach includes various key phases such as investigation, arrest, charging, trial, sentencing, and potential appeal processes, ultimately culminating in reentry into the community.

This holistic view recognizes that the criminal justice system is not limited to just one phase, such as the trial or sentencing, but instead includes all interactions with law enforcement and the legal system, which includes support services for rehabilitation and reintegration. The focus on the continuum of the criminal justice process highlights the importance of understanding how different phases are interconnected and the overall impact on individuals and societies.