What does the term ‘criminal justice system’ encompass?

The term ‘criminal justice system’ encompasses all institutions and processes for enforcing criminal law, which includes law enforcement agencies (like the police), courts that adjudicate criminal cases, and correctional facilities responsible for the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders. This definition is comprehensive because it reflects the interconnected roles various entities play in upholding societal laws, administering justice, and managing offenders.

Considering the other options, limiting the definition to only the police and courts ignores the significant roles that correctional institutions and rehabilitation programs play in the system. Similarly, focusing solely on correctional facilities would neglect the initial phases of the justice process such as investigation, trial, and enforcement. Finally, emphasizing a network of community organizations aiding criminals overlooks the formal structures established by law which are integral to the criminal justice framework. Thus, option B provides the most complete and accurate understanding of what the criminal justice system entails.