Which concepts have emerged due to the recognition of the informal justice process?

The wedding cake model is a concept that illustrates the varying layers of the criminal justice system, reflecting how different cases receive different levels of attention and resources based on their severity and the public interest involved. This model emphasizes the informal justice processes that occur, particularly in lower-tier cases, where many minor offenses are often handled without formal trials.

At the top tier of this metaphorical cake are high-profile cases that draw significant public interest and scrutiny, leading to full-blown trials. As you move down the layers, you find less serious offenses that may be resolved through informal means, such as plea bargains or dismissals, which aligns with the recognition of how the informal justice process operates in practice. This model highlights that not all cases are treated equally, and informal justice processes are a significant part of how cases are processed.

The other options do touch upon important elements of criminal justice, but they do not inherently encapsulate the idea of informal justice processes as effectively as the wedding cake model does. The justice triangle, for instance, focuses on the interaction between the three branches of the justice system, while the plea bargain framework specifically details one method of resolving cases, and the three-tier system outlines distinct levels of offenses without the same layered approach.