Institutional Framework of Criminal Justice

The core of the criminal justice system, it includes activities like preventing crime, suppressing crime, apprehending offenders, conducting searches and seizures, and investigating crimes. These efforts involve protecting lives and property.

This refers to exercising judgment, using experience and common sense to make decisions in law enforcement situations. It can include using their powers of arrest or deciding whether to conduct a search.

The legal authority given to law enforcement personnel to investigate potential crimes. This can involve questioning suspects, gathering evidence, and carrying out searches.

The legal authority given to law enforcement personnel to detain individuals suspected of committing a crime. This includes making an arrest and taking the suspect into custody.

The branch of the criminal justice system responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of crimes. Their job is to present evidence to the court and seek a conviction.

The branch of the criminal justice system that decides on the guilt or innocence of accused individuals. They also determine appropriate punishment for convicted individuals.

The branch of the criminal justice system responsible for the care and rehabilitation of individuals convicted of crimes. They provide support services and work to help individuals reintegrate into society.

The branch of the criminal justice system responsible for ensuring that the legal rights of accused individuals are protected throughout the criminal justice process. They advocate for fair treatment and due process.

A group of people who are selected to hear evidence and decide on verdicts in a criminal trial.

The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) is now responsible for handling domestic adoption cases in the Philippines.

Domestic adoption proceedings in the Philippines are now handled through administrative processes, not solely through court cases.

Petitioners can withdraw their pending domestic adoption petitions in court, regardless of their progress.

Criminal procedure encompasses laws governing the apprehension, prosecution, and punishment of individuals accused of criminal offenses.

Civil procedure is the branch of law dealing with resolving private disputes, not criminal offenses, aiming to protect civil rights.

The Legislative branch of the Philippine government is responsible for creating, amending, and repealing laws.

The Executive branch of the Philippine government enforces and implements laws.

The Judicial branch of the Philippine government interprets the law and resolves disputes.

A tribunal officially assembled under the authority of law. It is an organ of the government with a separate and distinct personality from the judge. Think of a court as a corporation.

An officer of the court. They sit on the court and are natural persons, not a separate entity like the court itself.

The doctrine that says a court's jurisdiction and proceedings continue despite changes in its judges. Even if the judge dies or leaves, the court stays active.

A court with authority over a specific geographic area or over certain types of cases. They have broader jurisdiction and are generally higher in the judicial hierarchy than other courts.

A court that handles specific types of legal issues, such as family law, criminal law, or small claims.

A court with jurisdiction over a defined territory or geographic area. This means they handle cases that happen within those borders.

A court that only has jurisdiction over limited types of legal disputes. It has specialized powers and deals with a narrow range of cases.

A court that's part of the judicial system. They handle appeals from lower court decisions and ensure that the law is applied correctly.

Courts with authority over other courts, having original jurisdiction and power of review.

Courts subordinate to higher courts, whose decisions can be reviewed.

Courts where actions or proceedings are first filed (e.g., Metropolitan, Municipal, Circuit Trial Courts).

Courts that review decisions of lower courts (e.g., Regional Trial Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court).

Courts with broad jurisdiction to handle various cases like civil and criminal matters (e.g., RTC).

Courts with limited jurisdiction over specific types of cases (e.g., Family Courts, Commercial Courts, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan).

A court created by a direct provision in the constitution, like the Supreme Court in the Philippines.

A court established by a law passed by the legislature, not directly by the constitution.

A court that follows traditional legal rules and procedures, focusing on strict interpretation of laws.

A court that can apply principles of fairness and equity to reach a just outcome, even if it means bending the rules.

The concept of justice and fairness applied outside of strict legal boundaries.

The power of a court to decide cases based on fairness and principles of equity, especially when there's no clear law.

Situations where the principles of equity don't apply, such as when there's a clear law, a previous court decision, or the person seeking help acted unfairly.

A system where the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) limit each other's power, ensuring no branch becomes too dominant.

The principle requiring courts to follow previous rulings on similar cases. It ensures consistency and stability in legal decisions.

The rule that courts of the same level can't interfere with each other's orders or proceedings, promoting order and avoiding conflicting rulings.