AC 1.2- Describe the Organisation of the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales

Question 1

Describe the role of the police

Answer 1

Arrest people, issues cautions/fines, first at crime scene, preserve evidence and carry out interviews and stop & searches, enforce criminal law, act as deterrent, 43 regional police forces

Question 2

Describe the role of the Ministry of Justice

Answer 2

Government department that oversee most of the criminal justice system and responsible for smooth running of HM Courts & Tribunal, Probation service and the prison system

Question 3

Describe the role of HM Courts and Tribunal Service

Answer 3

Responsible for administration of courts and tribunals (e.g. employment, immigration) in England and Wales

Question 4

Describe the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Answer 4

Set up in 1986, took over from the police to avoid bias,, deal with 500,000 cases a year making sure they pass the full code test (evidential and public interest), prepare and present case in court

Question 5

Describe the role of HM Prison Service

Answer 5

Manage majority of prisons in England and Wales, keep those sentenced to prison in custody, help them live law abiding lives in and after prison, work on rehabilitation and supervise offenders in custody

Question 6

Describe the role of the National Probation Service

Answer 6

Statutory criminal justice service, supervises high risk offenders after release from prison, make them report back at a certain time/place, rehabilitation is a main aim

Question 7

Describe the role of the Sentencing Council

Answer 7

Promotes greater consistency in sentencing, maintains independence of judiciary, set up in 2010, issues guidelines on sentencing that courts must follow unless in public interest to not do so

Question 8

Describe the role of Campaigns for Change

Answer 8

Aim to change the law, for example Harpers law, which now gives a life sentence for causing the death of an emergency worker whilst on duty