AC1.3 Models of Criminal Justice

Question 1

Crime control model

Answer 1

• Focused on efficiency in preventing and controlling crime
• Primary goal is to reduce crime quickly by punishing offenders - safety of society.
• Prioritises catching and convicting offenders with speed.

Question 2

Features of Crime control model

Answer 2

• Victim focused justice - maintain public order and safety
• Reliance on police - law enforcement and prosecutors are given power and trust.
• Presumption of guilt - if someone has been arrested or charged they are most likely guilty - contrasts with ‘innocent until proven guilty’
• Efficiency - streamlined system where cases are processed quickly, offenders dealt with swiftly.

Question 3

Criticism of Crime control model

Answer 3

This model can risk wrongful convictions as it prioritises speed and efficiency over ensuring the accused’s full legal rights are protected.

Question 4

Due process model

Answer 4

• Prioritises individual rights and fairness, ensures every person is treated fairly and their legal right are protected.
• Strong emphasis on safeguarding people from mistakes and abuses of power within the system.

Question 5

Features of Due process model

Answer 5

Protects individual rights - protecting individuals from unjust or unfair treatment through law enforcement or courts
Legal safeguards - all legal procedures followed correctly, defendants can challenge evidence against them.
Presumption of innocence - person is innocent until proven guilty, must prove guilt beyond a reasonable amount.

Question 6

Criticism of Due process model

Answer 6

Too slow and allowing criminals to potentially escape justice due to legal technicalities. Focus on protecting rights can sometimes result in delays in punishing offender.

Question 7

Laws supporting due process

Answer 7

• Acknowledgement of the need of police safeguarding by introduction of PACE 1984.
• All interview now recorded and suspects have rights to legal representation.
• Human Rights Act 1998 allows criminal justice practices to be scrunitised from a human rights perspective.
• Case example - Thompson & Venables (James Bulger)

Question 8

Laws supporting crime control

Answer 8

• Intro of ‘bad character’ evidence & previous convictions information for courts to consider when deciding a verdict.
• Removal of double jeopardy rule for murder and other serious offences
• Extended pre charge detention time for terrorist activities
• Case example - Collin Stagg