Reasons why the courts are ineffective

Question 1

high rate of reoffending

Answer 1

• This is because courts issue offenders punishments but they are not given the opportunity to address why they committed crimes. As well after someone has been released from prison they may struggle to find employment so may have to reoffend to survive.
• For example, the reoffending rate for people jailed by the court for less than 12 months is 30%

Question 2

some guilty people get away

Answer 2

• Scottish courts have the not proven verdict which means a jury could find the defendant guilty but they do not feel there is enough evidence to convict
• For example, 1 in every 5 rape trials results in the not proven verdict