AC1.2: describe the organisation of the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales

Question 1

Police

Answer 1

• will work with the courts in order to ensure that defendants, who are in custody are brought before them.
• often gives evidence in court.
• works with the probation in the management of an offender.
• works closely with the CPS when charging and prosecuting offenders.

Question 2

Ministry of Justice

Answer 2

Will oversee the work of:
- HM Courts and Tribunal Services
- probation services
- prison systems

Question 3

HM Courts and Tribunal Service

Answer 3

• contributes, by the judiciary, to law creation through the judicial precent and statutory interpretation.
• liaises with the police/independent security firms and prisons in order to ensure that the prisoners are being delivered safely to court.
• arranges video links if a prisoner will not be attending court for a hearing.
• prisoners who are held in court cells pending their court hearing and will return to prison.

Question 4

Crown Prosecution Service

Answer 4

• advises the police on charging suspects.
• appears in court to conduct the advocacy of cases.

Question 5

HM Prison Service

Answer 5

• lawyers may seek visits to prison for legal consultations.
• the judge will set a term of imprisonment, which includes the length, type and whether or not it is concurrent or consecutive.
• defendants who have been denied bail by either the police or the courts will be remanded in prison.
• works with the probation service when prisoners are being released.

Question 6

National Probation Service

Answer 6

• police will arrest a prisoner recalled whilst on probation and ensure that they return to prison.
• liaison and preparation between agencies when prisoners are released.
• oversees prisoners once they are released if on licence or parole.
• liaises with the police if there are any issues and recall to prison if appropriate.
• oversees prisoners who have served a sentence of up to two years, and released on licence for a minimum of 12 months.

Question 7

Sentencing Council

Answer 7

• works with the judiciary and other legal professionals to produce guidelines on sentencing.

Question 8

Campaigns for change

Answer 8

• may liaise with various agencies for support to enable change to be effective.
  Examples of campaigns:
  Sarah’s law: worked with the police on child sex offender disclosure scheme.
  Bobby Turnbull’s campaign for a change in the gun licensing laws, who also liaised with the police.
  The Prison Reform Trust works with prisons and other agencies to help improve the penal system.