INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

What does 'access to justice' mean?

Access by people, especially from poor and disadvantaged groups, to fair, effective and accountable mechanisms for the protection of rights, control of abuse of power and resolution of conflicts.

What is an amicable settlement?

A process where parties to a dispute find ways to resolve their differences in a friendly and non-contentious way.

What is arbitration?

A procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute.

What is associative evidence?

Evidence that can link a person to the scene, including fingerprints, blood, weapons, and fibers.

What does 'at large' refer to?

The status of an individual who is still free and has not been apprehended, often used in criminal contexts.

What is the Barangay Justice System?

A community-based dispute settlement mechanism administered by barangay, covering disputes between members of the same city/municipality.

What is the purpose of the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP)?

To implement indeterminate sentences and parole for persons convicted of certain crimes.

What is the role of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)?

To custody and rehabilitate national offenders sentenced to imprisonment for more than three years.

What does the Bureau of Customs (BOC) do?

Implements revenue collection, prevents smuggling, and controls the entry of prohibited imported goods.

What is a citizen's arrest?

An arrest made by a private citizen who knows that another individual is about to commit, is committing, or has just committed a crime.

What is civil law?

The part of law concerning private affairs of citizens, such as marriage and property ownership.

What is common law?

A body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts.

What defines a community?

A group of people with diverse characteristics linked by social ties, sharing perspectives, and engaging in joint actions.

What is community-based corrections?

Provides correctional supervision and services in a community setting as an alternative to jail or prison.

What is the role of the community pillar in the Criminal Justice System?

To participate in law enforcement activities and promote peace and order through crime prevention and rehabilitation.

What is the correction pillar in the Criminal Justice System?

The fourth pillar that oversees the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders after they are found guilty.

What does the court pillar do in the Criminal Justice System?

It serves as the forum for prosecution to present evidence of guilt against the accused.

What is the Court of Appeals?

Created to exercise appellate jurisdiction on cases not under the Supreme Court's exclusive jurisdiction.

What is the law enforcement model in the Criminal Justice System?

Focuses on preventing and controlling crimes to maintain public order.

What does criminal investigation refer to?

The process of collecting evidence regarding a crime to determine if it occurred, identify the perpetrator, and support prosecution.

What is the overarching purpose of the Criminal Justice System?

To prevent and control crimes through law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and community involvement.