AC3.1/.3/.4 JUDICIARY

Question 1

Aims and objectives of the judiciary

Answer 1

interpret and apply laws
Appeal:
make rulings on appeals, set and follow precedent
Crown:
manage the trial, explain legal issues to the jury, pass sentence

Question 2

Funding of the judiciary

Answer 2

-judges pay is decided by an independent panel ‘Senior salaries review body’
-funded for by the government by taxes

Question 3

Philosophy of the judciary

Answer 3

-judicial independence (separate from the government)
-impartiality
-integrity
Oath of Allegiance and Judicial Oath

Question 4

Working practices of the judiciary

Answer 4

-security of tenure (only removed from office by the king)
-salary is guaranteed
-clear hierarchy (Supreme to Magistrates)
-deal with all types of offender and crime
-reach: Crown = 90 in local areas
Supreme = nationwide

Question 5

Limitations of judiciary in achieving social control

Answer 5

-lack of diversity 90.8% white, 65% from private education (doesn’t represent UK population)
-inconsistent sentencing (leads to a lack of trust in the CJS which should be fair and consistent)

Question 6

How effective are the judiciary in achieving social control?

Answer 6

+highly experienced professionals
+excellent legal knowledge
+independent from the government, which removes bias
+increasing numbers of minority groups in judiciary since 2014

Question 7

Overall judgement

Answer 7

Are effective at maintaining social control, as they are unbiased and this ensures a fair outcome of trials. Although there are sometimes mistakes, shown in miscarriages of justices or unduly lenient sentencing.