judiciary

Question 1

underlying philosophy

Answer 1

-provide impartial justice to criminal cases
-decision must be in line with the guidance (judicial precedent)
-crucial the law is understood at a high level and applied fairly and correctly

Question 2

aims and objectives

Answer 2

-ensure rule of law and legal security for individuals
-give out just sentences
-provide clarification of the law

Question 3

working practices

Answer 3

-operate in 4 different courts which are crown court, crown court of appeal, Supreme Court and European court
-91 crown courts across England and Wales
-judges can hear cases without juries if it is long and complex

Question 4

funding

Answer 4

-judges are paid a salary agreed upon senior salary review body
-government funded
-council of judiciary have a right to propose a budget

Question 5

strengths

Answer 5

• less common for gender bias now compared to 1980s-1990s
  -judges remain independent and avoid being swayed by unjust influences by media, public opinion

Question 6

weaknesses

Answer 6

-judges are represented in the media to be white old and male who are out of touch of and suspected of being bias (71% of judges are male)
- criticised for making unduly lenient sentences. for example 173 sentences were referred in which 137 had sentences increased