AC1.2 Describe the organisation of the criminal justice system

Question 1

What organisations make up the criminal justice system.

Answer 1

Police, Ministry of Justice, Courts/Sentencing Council, CPS, Prison service, Probation service.

Question 2

Police

Answer 2

• Work with courts to ensure defendants in custody are brought before them.
• Give evidence in court
• Work with probation in managing an offender nearing release.
• Work closely with the CPS in trying to charge and prosecute offenders.

Question 3

Ministry of Justice

Answer 3

• Oversea the work of courts
• Oversea the work of probation services
• Oversea the prison systems
• Deal with legislation and guidelines for working in different organisations of the CJS

Question 4

Courts/Sentencing council

Answer 4

• Contribution to law creation through judicial precedent and statutory interpretation.
• Liaise with the police and prisoners to court.
• Arrange video links if a prisoner cannot attend court.
• Prisoners held in court cells pending their court hearing and return to prison.

Question 5

CPS

Answer 5

• Advise the police on charging a suspect.
  -Work with the police to check evidence collated and if there is enough evidence to charge a suspect.
• Appear in court to conduct the advocacy of a case.

Question 6

Prison Service

Answer 6

• Work with probation services when a prisoner is to be released.
• Lawyers may ask for prison visits to have legal consultations with client.
  -Defendants denied bail by courts and police are remanded to prison.
• Judge and courts decide prison term for offenders.

Question 7

Probation service

Answer 7

• Arrest a prisoner recalled to prison whilst on probation.
• Liaise with police should there be any issues whilst a person is on probation.
• Work with other charity organisations to help prisoners leave prison successfully and have support.