ac1.2 Flashcards
describe the organisation of the criminal justice system in England and Wales
what is the first part of the criminal justice procedure?
law creation —> criminal law made in parliament
what is the second part of the criminal justice procedure?
police enforce the law by investigating breaches of the criminal law. they will arrest a suspect and use their powers of detention and interview
what is the third part of the criminal justice procedure?
CPS will advise the police on the appropriate charge
what is the fourth part of the criminal justice procedure?
suspect brought before the court. all cases start in the magistrates’ court and around 5% go to the crown court
what is the fifth part of the criminal justice procedure?
defendant released on bail or remanded into custody
what is the sixth part of the criminal justice procedure?
a guilty plea results in sentencing or a plea of not guilty results in a trial. a trial includes witnesses giving evidence. a bench of magistrates or a jury decide the verdict
what is the seventh part of the criminal justice procedure?
if convicted, formal punishment is given by the magistrate ir judge. the Sentencing Council provides guidelines to assist courts. if a custodal sentence is given the defendant is sent to prison
what is the eigth part of the criminal justice procedure?
HM prison service oversees the welfare of prisoners. HM inspectors of prisoners is an independent body that reports on the ocnditions and treatment of those in prison
what is the ninth part of the criminal justice procedure?
when released from prison a prisoner is usually on licence and is subject to supervision by the probation service. any breach may result in a return to prison
- LAW CREATION
what does parliament pass?
acts (legislation or statute law)
what do judges create?
law
how do judges create laws?
by setting judicial precedents that other courts must follow and by interpreting the meaning of statutes
what do other agencies of the CJS have to do?
enforce these laws
- THE POLICE
what do the police do?
uphold the law, prevent crime, pursue and bring to justice those who break the law, keep the queens peace, protect the community
what are the police the first agency to become involved in?
when someone is suspected of committing a crime
what is the police’s role?
investigate and charge suspects
what do the police’s investigations involve?
collecting evidence, arresting and detaining suspects, questioning and obtaining statements from suspects and witnesses
what do the police do in minor cases?
issue a caution or a fixed penalty notice
what do the police send to the CPS?
case files who will decide whether to prosecute or not
what was the total police budget in 2023/24?
£17.6 billion
who is most of the police funded by?
the central government (taxpayer through income tax etc)
what is the rest of the police funded by?
council tax contributions and charging for some services such as policing football matches
how many territorial police forces make the police in E+W?
43
what is the largest police force in E+W?
London’s Metropolitan police
why is there a variety of different specialised departments within the police force?
as they each have their own special role
- THE CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE