Criminal Justice System

Question 1

Adversarial v Inquisitorial

Answer 1

Adversarial: (of a trial or legal proceedings) in which the parties in a dispute have the responsibility for finding and presenting evidence.

Inquisitorial: (of a trial or legal procedure) characterized by the judge performing an examining role.

Question 2

What are the 3 major needs of victims?

Answer 2

The need to feel safe, the need to express their emotions, and the need to know ‘what comes next’.

Question 3

MG11

Answer 3

Witness statement form

Question 4

Who manages restorative justice?

Answer 4

The Restorative Justice Council (RJC)

Question 5

What is Restorative Justice?

Answer 5

“Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward. This is part of a wider field called restorative practice.

Restorative practice can be used anywhere to prevent conflict, build relationships and repair harm by enabling people to communicate effectively and positively. Restorative practice is increasingly being used in schools, children’s services, workplaces, hospitals, communities and the criminal justice system.”

Question 6

What are the 6 key principles of Restorative practice?

Answer 6

Restoration

The primary aim is to address and repair harm.

Voluntarism

Participation in restorative processes is voluntary and based on informed choice.

Neutrality

Restorative practices are fair and unbiased towards participants.

Safety

Processes and practice aim to ensure the safety of all participants and create a safe place for the expression of feelings and views about the harm that has been caused.

Accessibility

Restorative processes are non-discriminatory and available to all those affected by conflict and harm.

Respect

Restorative processes are respectful to the dignity of all participants and those affected by the harm caused.

Question 7

Fact

Answer 7

Explain that the vast majority of victims suffer in some way in the immediate aftermath of crime. Research found that most crime victims suffer from adverse, short-term psychological effects and 84% will be affected emotionally.

Highlight that a UK study showed 83% of burglary victims experienced strong reactions on discovering their homes had been invaded and 65% suffered from some continuing impact four to ten weeks later.

Question 8

What is the Victim Contact Scheme (VCS)?

Answer 8

The Victim Contact Scheme is run by the National Probation Service. It was set up in April 2001. If you are the victim of a serious sexual or violent offence where an offender receives a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, you may want to know about the sentence someone receives. This provides that by offering you a specially trained Victim Liaison Officers can:

• Keep in contact with you during the sentence
• Answer your questions
• Give you information about how the justice system works