1.2

• courts of the first instance

  • magistrates court
  • crown court - judge and jury
• appellate courts

  • the court of appeal (criminal division)
  • the supreme court - the highest court
• courts of the first instance

  hear the original trials
• appellate courts

  hear appeals against the verdict imposed by the lower courts
• what is the hierarchy of courts?

  1. magistrates court
  2. crown court
  3. the court of appeal
  4. the supreme court
• just verdict is one that is deserved, lawful and good.

  its there so that those who are guilty of a crime receive an appropriate and legal sentence
• judges and magistrates are guided by two factors:

  the law

  the sentencing guidelines
• the law


  laying down possible sentences that can be given
• the sentencing guidelines

  published by the sentencing council

  the guidelines look at the culpability as well as any previous convictions
• example of the sentencing guidelines

  the theft act (1968) allows a range of sentences ranging from discharge to up to seven years of imprisonment.

  the guideline helps to decide where to fix the sentence within this range.
• the prison and probation service carries out the sentences given to offenders by the court
• the HM prison service

  supervises offenders in custody
• the national probation service

  supervises community services including prisoners released on license
• the national probation service

  as well as supervising the management and punishment of offenders, they seek to rehabilitate offenders so that they can lead a crime free life.
• whats the relationship between the police and the probation service?

  may be part of multi-disciplinary meetings when reviewing offenders released on license, taking part in risk assessments.
• what's the relationship between the police and the CPS?

  advises the police on charging decisions an d review police evidence before applying the full code test.

  advise the police on whether cases pass the threshold test, if not the full code test.
• whats the relationship between the police and the prison service?

  police may have to interview suspects or witnesses in prison
• whats the relationship between the police and the courts?

  police may give evidence in court

  may meet with prosecuting barrister in advance of a a trial

  may escort prisoners to court if police refused bail.
• what's the relationship between the police and voluntary organisations?

  may liaise with voluntary sector organisations such as victim support to assist victims and witnesses to crime.
• whats the relationship between the courts and the prison service?

  arrange video links for people giving evidence from prison
• what's the relationship between the courts and the HM prison service?

  in holding prisoners in court cells pending their hearing and return to prison
• whats the relationship between the courts and court and judges?

  funding courts and supervising the efficient running of the court system
• whats the relationship between the courts and the police and other security firms?

  safe delivery of suspects/ prisoners to court

  the police may be a witness
• whats the relationship between the prison and the national probation service?

  the national probation service is liaising when a prisoner is to be released on license
• whats the relationship between the prison and the police?

  facilitating interviews as part of ongoing investigations
• whats the relationship between the prison service and the courts?

  putting sentences into practice and supervising defendants remanded in custody (those refused bail)

  supervising visits from defence lawyers
• whats the relationship between the probation service and the courts?

  preparing pre sentencing reports on offenders

  supervising offenders given a community sentence

  supervising drug testing
• whats the relationship between the probation service and the police/

  liasing with them if a person recalled to prison while on probation and ensure arrest and return to prison
• what's the relationship between the probation service and the prison and parole board?

  supervising prisoners released on licence
• whats the relationship between the crown prosecution service and the courts?

  appeals against unduly lenient sentences

  preparing and presenting prosecution cases
• whats the relationship between the CPS and the police

  24 hour help line

  advice on evidence and charging
• what is aggravating factors?

  Factors that make a situation more severe or intense.
• what is mitigating factors?

  Factors that can reduce the severity of a punishment or offense.
• what is the ministry of justice?

  protecting and advancing the principles of justice