Crime & Law - Criminal Justice System

Question 1

Describe, in detail, two types of criminal courts in Scotland.

Answer 1

• Justice of the Peace, for minor offences such as drunk and disorderly’s. For example; the maximum fine is £2,500.
• High Court, most serious crimes such as murder. For example; can give an unlimited fine.

Question 2

Describe, in detail, two roles of criminal courts in Scotland.

Answer 2

• Determine guilt, they will use presented evidence to determine the verdict. For example; former SNP Natalia McGarry was jailed for embezzlement.
• Punish, they will consider what punishment best fits the crime. For example; they may be jailed for life for murder.

Question 3

Describe, in detail, two roles of the Childrens Hearing System in Scotland

Answer 3

• Investigate Referrals, they will gather evidence to investigate concerns. For example; 75% of referrals come from the police.
• Organise a panel, they will contact all the necessary people involved. For example; 3 members of the panel will be volunteers.

Question 4

Describe, in detail, two powers of criminal courts in Scotland.

Answer 4

• Fine, a sum of money is paid by the offender to the court. For example; the high court can give an unlimited fine.
• Imprisonment, offenders crime may be so serious that they are taken into prison. For example; the high court can give a life sentence.

Question 5

Describe, in detail, two powers of the Childrens Hearing System.

Answer 5

• Remove a child from their home, a compulsory supervision order means a child may be removed from their home. For example; a child may be removed if they have been a victim of abuse.
• Supervised visits, they will face supervision from a social worker while living with their parents. For example; someone who regularly misses school may need supervision.

Question 6

Explain, in detail, two reasons why the criminal courts in Scotland are effective in tackling crime.

Answer 6

• Imprison people, serious crimes are suitably punished by sentencing offenders. For example; Aaron Campbell was jailed for murdering a six year old.
• Keep the public safe, stop’s more people being harmed by offenders. For example; by jailing murderers they are keeping the public safe.

Question 7

Explain, in detail, two reasons why criminal courts in Scotland are not effective in tackling crime.

Answer 7

• Alcohol crime is still high, there is still a significant amount of crime committed under the influence. For example; 2/3 of violent crime.
• Increase in violent crime, there has been a slight increase of non-sexual violent crime in recent years. For example; it rose to be 16% higher.