•What are the functions of each branch of the U.S. government? Explain.
The Executive Branch
The main function is to execute the laws that are already existent and those passed by congress. This is because they are in charge of important departments.
The judicial Branch
This branch interprets the law and hears and determines any legal problems, it checks the other branches of government.
The Legislative Branch
This branch is charged with the duty of passing government laws and allocating funds to different organs of government.
•How do you think each component impacts the criminal justice system? Explain.
The legislature makes the law which includes defining crimes and fixing the sentences for those crimes.
The executive branch appoints heads of security instruments such as the police chiefs and also appoints judges that provide rulings on criminal cases.
The judiciary adjudicates all criminal cases and determines if a person is guilty or innocent.
•How do you think each component impacts the correctional system? Explain.
The legislature allocates funds for the building and running of correctional facilities. The judiciary provides assessment reports to congress every year on the impact of correctional facilities. The executive appoints heads of these correctional facilities.
•How do you feel about the power of a state governor or the President of the United States to grant pardons? Should this be allowed? Why or why not? Explain.
I think that the president should not be allowed to grant pardons as this allows for mischief and only favors those who are prominent in society and does not help the common people. Those with problems should appeal their cases.•What significant issues do you think exist with regard to the U.S. government and criminal justice? Explain.
There are issues of sentence disparity for similar offenses which produces mistrust; there are also complaints on focusing on the rights of the perpetrators with little regard for the victims.
REFERENCES
Hamilton, J. (2004) Branches of Government (Government in Action!)
Stuntz, W. (2011) The Collapse of American Criminal Justice
