Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 5

Criminal Justice - Essay Example These are common examples of crime. However, a precise meaning of criminal offence is defined by various laws of each country. Some of these countries have a catalogue of crime, and it is referred to as the criminal code. Some countries have a comprehensive statute, which outlines the various crimes that are against the state. There are three major classification of crime, namely, misdemeanor, felony, and treason. The major difference that exists between a felony and a misdemeanor is on the penalty an individual receives for the offence (Burke, 279). A misdemeanor refers to a crime whose punishment is identified by the law. However, this punishment should not be death or imprisonment. The state or the government has the authority and power to restrict the liberty of an individual who is involved in committing a crime. To limit this liability, the state must follow a criminal procedure that culminates into an investigation, to a trial. It is only after the guilt of an individual is ascertained, that an offender may receive a punishment. This punishment can be imprisonment, community service, or even death, depending on the nature of crime. The natural law and the labeling theory effectively explain this concept of crime. According to the labeling theory, crime is an activity that causes injury to the society. The people, who apply this concept of labeling, normally assert the hegemony of a population that is dominant (Burke, 279). Furthermore, labeling a particular activity as a crime is a reflection of a general consensus that condemns the behavior. Natural law theory recognizes the power of the state to enforce laws, and prevent a crime. The state normally uses the police for purposes of enforcing law and order. The police have an important role in promoting justice (Justice and T, 160). Through the power vested upon them in the constitution, the police have the authority of arresting any suspected individual.