What is formal and informal justice? In a formal justice system laws are enforced and punishments are given by legal criminal justice agencies such as courts and prisons. In an informal system justice, people take justice into their own hands, especially in situations where the law can't dole out proper justice.
Formal crime control relies on the law and official government agencies to deter criminal actions and to respond to criminal activity. Informal crime control relies on moral and social institutions (e.g., family, peers, and neighbors) to promote lawful behavior
