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Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Criminal justice and public safety is the system that responds to crime and works to keep communities safe. It runs from police and prosecutors to courts, jails, and prisons, and on to supervision and life after release. Local, state, and federal governments all take part, and each shapes who is arrested, how cases are decided, and what happens to people afterward.

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October 18last updated

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All Articles on Criminal Justice and Public Safety

The Pillars of Justice: Prosecutors vs. Defense Attorneys in the U.S. Legal System

A plain guide to who picks the charge, why nearly every case ends in a plea, what an appointed defense lawyer owes a client, and who holds either side to account.

80 Min Read

A Guide to Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth in the U.S.

Youth homelessness is a significant challenge across the United States, leaving many young people vulnerable when they run away from home or find themselves…

24 Min Read

Understanding the Military’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) employs the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program as its comprehensive approach to addressing sexual assault within the…

66 Min Read

Understanding the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) serves as the bedrock of the military justice system within the United States Armed Forces. Enacted by…

51 Min Read

Report Mail Fraud and Scams to USPS: Protect Yourself

You check your mailbox and find a notice claiming you've won a prize—but you need to pay a fee to claim it. Or a…

14 Min Read

Shipping Guns via USPS? FFL Rules Explained

Understand USPS firearm mailing rules, which FFLs qualify, where owners can send rifles and shotguns, and how proposed handgun changes affect shipping.

8 Min Read

Mail Crimes and the Postal Inspectors Who Solve Them

The United States Postal Service (USPS) isn't just about delivering letters and packages—it also plays a critical role in protecting the integrity of the…

11 Min Read