3.1 Flashcards
Explain the role of the CPS in social control.
The CPS prosecutes crimes in England and Wales and was established under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. It ensures independence from the police, focusing on prosecution while police investigate crimes. Aims to be independent, honest, respectful, and professional. It decides which cases to prosecute, advises police in early investigations, determines charges in serious/complex cases, prepares cases for court, and supports victims and witnesses. Uses a two-part test to prosecute: evidential (sufficient evidence for realistic conviction) and public interest; if not met, applies the threshold test for high-risk suspects. Operates in 13 geographical areas + CPS Direct (24/7). Headed by Director of Public Prosecutions (Max Hill). Funded by the government: £567 million in 2020; also recovers costs and assets from prosecutions.
Explain the role of the police in social control.
The police aim to reduce crime and maintain law and order through protection of life/property and prevention/detection of crime. Powers include arrest, detention, search, and interview (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984). Forces include 45 regional units and national agencies (e.g., National Crime Agency, British Transport Police). Roles include emergency response, CID (serious crime), specialist ops (e.g., anti-terrorism), and community policing (e.g., neighbourhood watch). Work with other agencies like courts and probation to manage offenders. Supported by PCSOs (visible presence) and Special Constables (volunteers with police powers). PCCs (elected) oversee regional police strategy. Funded via central government grants and local council tax.
Explain the role of the judiciary in social control.
Judges (superior and inferior) make legal decisions in court, ensure fair trials, interpret/apply law, and explain legal matters to juries. They sum up evidence, direct juries, and impose sentences. Magistrates (typically 3 per case) decide guilt and punishment in lower courts. Appeal court judges set precedents and ensure legal consistency. Judges are independent and impartial, free from political influence; cannot be dismissed by government. Swear an oath of allegiance and judicial oath. Appointed, not elected; enjoy security of tenure and protected salaries. Salaries recommended by the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).
Explain the role of HM Prison Service in social control.
Keeps offenders in custody and helps them lead law-abiding lives in and out of prison. Works with courts, police, local councils, probation, and voluntary orgs. Public sector: 109 of 122 prisons run by the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). Private prisons (e.g., HMP Five Wells by G4S) operate under contract. Prison categories: A: Maximum security (HMP Frankland), B: High risk (HMP Nottingham), C: Medium/low risk (HMP Dartmoor), D: Open prisons (HMP Ford). Prisoners start at ‘standard’ privilege level and can move up/down based on behaviour. Funded through government tax income; 2021 budget: £5.63 billion. Average cost per prisoner: £44,640 (Bromley Factfile 2022).
Explain the role of the NPS in social control.
Supervises high-risk offenders released into the community, helping them reintegrate and reduce reoffending. Works with ~30,000 offenders annually and partners with 21 community rehabilitation companies, courts, police, and other partners. Supports offenders on community sentences, licence, or parole. Offenders on probation may complete unpaid work, education, addiction treatment, or regular meetings with offender managers. Prepares pre-sentence reports, manages approved premises, and assesses prisoners for release. Communicates with victims of serious crime when offenders are released. Funded by NOMS through taxation; private CRCs are self-funding.
Explain the role of the Prison Reform Trust in social control.
Aims to create a just, humane, effective penal system and reduce unnecessary imprisonment. Promotes community alternatives, better prison conditions, and human rights. Provides research, information to families/prisoners/public, and advice to students/legal professionals. Campaigns for reform, e.g., ‘Out of Trouble’ (reducing youth imprisonment), and ‘Out for Good’ (employment for ex-prisoners). Independently funded via voluntary donations; not government funded.
Explain the role of the Howard League in social control.
Oldest UK penal reform charity (est. 1866). Advocates for less crime, safer communities, and fewer people in prison. Works with Parliament, media, criminal justice agencies, and the public. Independent of government; funded through donations and membership. Successful campaigns include ‘Books for Prisoners’ (2015 award winner) and reducing child criminalisation, leading to a 58% drop in child arrests (2010–2015).
