What role does the criminal justice system play? Police are responsible for fighting crime, protecting citizens, and serving their communities. The court system is responsible for prosecuting crimes....

What role does the criminal justice system play? Police are responsible for fighting crime, protecting citizens, and serving their communities. The court system is responsible for prosecuting crimes. Jails and prisons are responsible for punishment and correction. The United States has a higher incarceration rate than the rest of the world. Incarceration is used for restitution, deterrence, protection of potential victims, and rehabilitation. The criminal justice system is the main mechanism for social control in any society.