The American criminal justice system is a framework designed to maintain social order and enforce laws. It consists of three main components: law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. Law enforcement agencies, such as the police, investigate crimes and apprehend suspects. The judiciary, including courts and judges, oversees legal proceedings and ensures fair trials. Once a person is convicted, the corrections system manages their punishment, which may include incarceration in prisons or rehabilitation programs. The system aims to deter crime, rehabilitate offenders, and protect the rights of victims while upholding the principles of justice and due process.