ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Criminal justice

Criminal justice is the system that helps keep people safe from bad guys who break the rules. Just like how rules are followed at home, in school, or in a store, there are rules that everyone must follow to live together in a community. These rules are called laws, and they are very important in making sure people don't hurt each other, steal things, or damage property.

Now, when someone breaks one of these laws, the criminal justice system comes into action to find out who did it and make sure they're held responsible for their actions. Imagine this: you have a party with your friends, and one of them takes your toys without asking. That's wrong, and your mom and dad would probably step in to make your friend give your toys back and make sure they know it's not okay to take things from others.

In the real world, it works similarly. When someone breaks a law, the police or law enforcement officials step in to investigate and gather evidence to find out who did it. They might interview witnesses or look at security footage to gather clues that will help them build a case. Once they have enough evidence, they'll arrest the person and bring them to court.

In court, a judge will listen to everything that happened and decide if the person is guilty or not guilty of the crime they're accused of. If they're found guilty, they'll be sentenced to punishment that can range from paying a fine, doing community service, or even going to jail.

The criminal justice system is very important because it helps protect people and their rights. It also serves as a warning to others who may be thinking of breaking the law. Breaking the law is never okay, and the criminal justice system is there to make sure that those who do are held accountable for their actions.