Crime and punishments and human rights

• What must anyone who is arrested be informed of?

  They must be told the reasons for the arrest and the charges in a language they understand.
• What rights do those accused of a crime have according to the European Convention on Human Rights?


  They have the right to a fair trial and legal representation.
• What happens if an accused person cannot afford legal representation?

  The state will provide legal representation.
• What does the European Convention on Human Rights say about punishments?

  Punishments must be proportionate to the crime, and criminals have the right to fair treatment.
• What is prohibited under the European Convention on Human Rights regarding treatment and punishment?

  No one shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
• How are less serious crimes tried in England and Wales?

  Less serious crimes are tried by a magistrate.
• What is the right of the accused for offences carrying a penalty of more than six months in prison?

  The accused has the right to be tried by a jury of 12 people.
• Why is a jury selected largely at random from the population in England and Wales?

  This is to help ensure a fair and impartial verdict is reached.
• What is the purpose of selecting jurors largely at random from the population?

  To help ensure a fair and impartial verdict is reached.