Ac3.4 Flashcards
Strengths of the Police
Have a police and crime commission-ensures services are running smoothly and holds forces accountable for their actions.
Example: Police and Crime Commissioner overseeing the local police force.
Weaknesses of the Police
Institutional racism-Stephen Lawrence
Gun licensing-Puppy farm murders
Honey-trap- Colin Stagg
Example: The Stephen Lawrence case highlighted systemic racism within the police force.
Strengths of the CPS
Full code test-maintains consistency
Independent from the police-no bias to prosecute cases
Example: The CPS follows strict guidelines to ensure fair and consistent prosecution.
Weaknesses of the CPS
Funding- many cases going unprosecuted or taking too long to be
Tests being inappropriately applied-Damilola Taylor
Example: Delays in prosecution due to lack of resources.
Strengths of the Judiciary
Can choose sentences (as long as guidelines are followed)
Magistrates don’t have to rely upon a jury to give a verdict
Juries in general- 12 opinions rather than one
seen as fair
Example: Sentencing guidelines ensure consistency in punishment.
Weaknesses of the Judiciary
Increasing number of appeals against lenient sentences
Inappropriate comments leading to unsuitable sentences
Jury Bias- R v Owen
Example: Controversial sentencing decisions leading to public outcry.
Strengths of Prisons
Protects the public by incapacitating offenders
Acts as both an individual and general deterrent
Example: Prisons prevent dangerous individuals from harming society.
Weaknesses of prisons
Recidivism rate is high
Prison riots
Overcrowding
Learning from other prisoners- social learning theory
Drugs
Example: Prisons becoming breeding grounds for criminal behavior.
Strengths of the probation service
Deters offenders from reoffending whilst they are on probation
Curfews act as a way to protect the public during these times
Example: Probation officers monitor and support offenders to prevent further crimes.
Weaknesses of the probation service
Too many prisoners were released without somewhere to live
Only 1 in 98 prisoners receive a mentor
Partial privatization means the government adequately supervise the service
Example: Lack of support for released offenders leading to reoffending.
