Which of the following is NOT a component of the criminal justice system?

The correct answer is that public defense is not traditionally considered a core component of the criminal justice system in the way that law enforcement, courts, and corrections are. The criminal justice system is primarily structured around three fundamental pillars: law enforcement, which is responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws; the courts, which adjudicate criminal cases and determine guilt or innocence; and corrections, which manages offenders through rehabilitation or punishment.

While public defense plays a crucial role in ensuring that defendants have legal representation, it is seen more as a function within the court system rather than a standalone component. It is an essential service that supports the individual rights of those accused of crimes, but it does not constitute a separate pillar of the criminal justice system. Therefore, distinguishing public defense from the primary components helps clarify its supportive role in the broader context of criminal justice.