Active citizenship-bringing about change in the legal system Flashcards
How can citizens participate in the legal system?
-jury service
-A witness to a crime
-reporting a crime
-becoming a magistrate or JP
-special constable
-PCC
-tribunal member
-Neighbourhood watch scheme
Explain the role of a jury:
-appear in court to hear a case
-jointly decide the verdict of the case based on facts and evidence and in consultation with the judge on rules of law
-expected to reach a unanimous verdict
-sometimes a decision can be made with one or two opposed
What is a magistrate ?
Citizens from the local community who volunteer to administer justice in their local Magistrates court
What is the role of a magistrate?
-sit as a bench made up of three
Can also sit alongside a district judge
-all criminal cases start in a magistrates court
-can give out fines up to £5000 per Offence and community orders and six month (or 12 month for more than one crime) prison sentences
-hear cases in court, advised by the court clerk
What is a special constable?
a trained volunteer who works with and supports the local police
Explain the role of a special constable.
-can come from any walk of life
-volunteer with local police force for a minimum of 4 hrs per week
-same powers as regular police officers and wear similar uniform
-don’t receive payment for their work
What is the neighbourhood watch scheme?
People living in the same area form a committee and work with the police to report any concerns
Sometimes attend committee meetings or publish newsletters
Explain the role of a PCC
-meet public to listen to their views and concerns
-produce police and crime plan
-decide how the budget should be spent
-appoint chief constables and dismiss if necessary
What is a tribunal member?
Citizens who become members of official tribunals which deal with specific complaints and issues
Give an example of an organisation or body which assisted citizens in fighting injustice or campaigning for legal change
-liberty (a pressure group that campaigns for civil liberties and human rights in the UK)
-TUC (trades union congress, body which brings together many of the UKs trade unions and aims to raise awareness of issues in the workplace. Focus on health and safety, action days, defending existing rights and calling for new rights)
-NSPCC (order in court campaign, protecting children in the justice system)
Give an example of an organisation or body which assisted citizens in fighting injustice or campaigning for legal change
-liberty (a pressure group that campaigns for civil liberties and human rights in the UK)
-TUC (trades union congress, body which brings together many of the UKs trade unions and aims to raise awareness of issues in the workplace. Focus on health and safety, action days, defending existing rights and calling for new rights)
-NSPCC (order in court campaign, protecting children in the justice system)
