AC 3.1- Explain the Role of Agencies in Social Control Flashcards
When was the police set up and who by?
1829, Robert Peel
What were some requirements to be a police officer when they were first set up?
Uniform had to be worn on and off duty, aged 20-27 and be at least 5’7”
What is the philosophy and values of the police?
Prevent crime and disorder, honesty & integrity (not to abuse position), co-operation with the public, physical force is a last resort, impartially deliver law and not to discriminate unfairly or unlawfully
What are the 4 main objectives of the police?
Keep the peace and maintain order, protect life and property, prevent detect and investigate crimes, interview and bring offenders to justice
What was the total police budget in 2018/2019?
£12.3billion
Where does the majority of police funding come from?
2/3 comes from central government
Where does the rest of police funding come from?
Local council taxes, the remained from charging for services such as policing football matches
What are the working practices of the police?
Officers are trained for general beat duties and to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls from the public
Give three examples of specialist police
Anti-terrorism, mountain police, police community support officers (PCSO)
When was the CPS set up and what did it aim to do?
Set up in 1986, role is to advise the police on evidence, decide a charge and prepare cases for trial
What are the values of the CPS?
To be impartial, provide a fair trial for all, behave professionally, promote justice, consistency and objectivity
What are the aims/objectives of the CPS?
Advise police in their investigations on evidence needed for a case, independently review the evidence, decide whether to prosecute or not, present the case in court using its own lawyers and assist, inform and support victims and witnesses
Where does most of the funding for the CPS come from and how much is their budget?
Government, budget of around half a billion pounds a year
What was reported in 2018 by the CPS and who reported it?
Funding cuts, reported by Alison Saunders the then head of the CPS
How much had the budget of the CPS fallen by in 2018?
Budget had fallen by 25%, lost 1/3 of staff
How many regional teams of the CPS are there?
14 regional teams (e.g. Greater Manchester, West Midlands), headed by a Chief Crown Prosecutor
How does the CPS working practices achieve social control?
24/7 means crime can be efficiently dealt with, specialist units/regional forces allow all crime to be dealt with, make decisions in public interest, reinforce social boundaries and norms
What two tests do the CPS use to decide whether to prosecute an offender?
The Full Code Test (evidential and public interest) and the Threshold Test
Describe the Full Code Test
Evidential- must be admissible, physical or testimonial, properly obtained, reasonable prospect of conviction (Rochdale Grooming Gang)
Public Interest- Impact, abuse of power?, pre-meditated, age of victim/offender (Wayne Couzens)
Describe the Threshold Test
Used when there is high public interest but not enough evidence, believed that evidence can be later obtained. Rarely used, used in rape cases
Who are the judiciary and how many are there?
Includes all judges in the UK, both superior and inferior judges, 3000 overall
What is the philosophy and values of the judiciary and where is this set out?
Guide to Judicial Conduct 2016, independence, impartiality, propiety, ensuring equal treatment, competence
Who do judges swear to?
Swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen and Crown, judicial oath to uphold the law fairly
What are the aims of judges in the Crown Court?
Ensure a fair trial, pass sentence if found guilty, act as a referee between the prosecution and defence, advise jury on the law, dismiss the jury if biased, direct an acquittal if their is insufficient evidence
What are the aims of judges in the Appeal Courts?
Supreme Court, make rulings on appeals from lower courts that are of great public importance, which can mean setting laws and new precedents
How are judges salaries decided and what is the range of wages for judges?
Senior Salaries Review Body, salaries range from £110,000-£257,000
Why are many lawyers put off from applying to roles as judges?
Top lawyers can earn over £1 million a year, therefore the salary is seen as a step down
How can judges be removed?
Can only be removed if demanded by the queen, provides security of the job and pay
How many Crown Courts are there in the UK? Give examples
Around 90 in the UK, closest include Manchester and Liverpool
Who sits in the Supreme Court?
12 justices, hear appeals of great public importance and make a final decision on cases
