Criminal Justice Systems Around the World

Criminal legal systems can be loosely classified as either common, civil, Islamic or socialist law in nature. However, today many jurisdictions have adopted hybrid models that combine elements of various legal systems. Many of these systems share a common set of core values.

Core Values

The criminal justice system:

• Core Value 1: Allows for safety, humanity and respect
• Core Value 2: Not arbitrary and has checks and balances
• Core Value 3: Accounts for individual differences
• Core Value 4: Embraces concepts of equality
• Core Value 5: Is swift and communicates to detainees
• Core Value 6: Embodies fairness
• Core Value 7: Allows for openness and public oversight
• Core Value 8: Uses proportionality and reflects the goals of reformation and rehabilitation