CRIME PREVENTION

• Presumption of Innocence (Strength, Due process)


  In law, we believe someone is innocent until proven guilty. This means it's the job of the people accusing them (usually the government) to show enough proof that they did something wrong.

  
  

  This rule helps make sure people aren't punished or treated badly without good reason.

  
  

  For instance, in the case of R v. O'Brien (2003), even though people thought the person was guilty, they couldn't prove it with enough evidence, so the person was considered innocent until proven otherwise.
• Right to a Fair Trial (Strength, Due process)


  In a fair trial, everyone gets treated equally by an unbiased group of people called a jury. They also get a lawyer to help them, and they can see all the evidence against them and argue against it.

  
  

  This makes sure the trial is fair and open.

  
  

  For example, in R v. Ibrahim and Others (2020), everyone involved got a fair chance to defend themselves, and some were found not guilty because their lawyers showed the evidence wasn't good enough.
• Legal protection (Strength, Due process) 


  Legal protections are rules that keep the legal system fair.

  
  

  For example, evidence that's gotten in a way that breaks the rules can't be used against someone. Judges make sure these rules are followed.

  
  

  For instance, in R v. Khan (2018), evidence that was collected illegally wasn't allowed to be used, so the case against the person fell apart because it wasn't fair to use that evidence.
• Resource Constraints (Limitation, Due process)

  Sometimes, the legal system doesn't have enough money or other resources. This can slow down court cases, mean people don't get good lawyers, and cause courts to have too many cases waiting.

  
  

  These problems can make it harder for people to get fair treatment

  
  

  in court.

  For example, in 2012, a law called the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act cut funding for legal help, so many people couldn't get a good lawyer anymore.
• Complex Legal Procedures (Limitation, Due process)


  The rules and steps in court cases can be really hard to understand. This makes it tough for people who aren't lawyers to defend themselves.

  
  

  For example, in complicated cases with lots of evidence, people without a good lawyer might struggle to prove they're innocent or challenge the other side's evidence. This could mean they don't get a fair trial.
• Unequal Defense (Limitation, Due process)


  The prosecution often has more money and better lawyers than the defense, making the trial unfair. People without a lot of money may struggle to afford a good lawyer, making it difficult for them to defend themselves.

  
  

  For example, in a case in 2019 called R v. Smith, the person accused couldn't afford a good lawyer, so the one they got through legal aid couldn't handle the complicated case properly. This led to them being convicted even though there wasn't strong evidence against them.
• Robust Legal framework (Strength, Crime Control)

  The UK has really good rules that say what you can and can't do, especially when it comes to breaking the law. These rules are updated a lot to keep up with how society is changing and to deal with new problems, so that the legal system can handle lots of different kinds of crimes well.
• Law Enforcement Agencies (Strength, Crime Control)

  In the UK, there are different groups of people who make sure everyone follows the rules. These include the regular police, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and some other special teams.

  
  

  They all work together to find out who's breaking the law, gather proof, and catch the bad guys. For example, the NCA focuses on stopping really serious crimes, while the local police deal with everyday law stuff.
• Technological Advancements (Strength, Crime Control)

  Using fancy gadgets and stuff has made it much easier to fight crime in the UK. Things like security cameras, DNA databases, and high-tech ways of studying evidence have made it better at catching and punishing criminals.

  
  

  For example, DNA proof has been super helpful in making sure guilty people get caught, even when regular detective work isn't enough.
• Resource Constraints (Limitation, Crime Control)


  When there isn't enough money or time, it can make it hard for police to stop crime. They might not have enough people or resources to solve complicated crimes or help victims enough.

  
  

  For instance, if the police don't have enough money, they might have fewer officers, and it could take them longer to get to emergencies.
• Disparities in Access to Justice (Limitation, Crime Control)


  Some people in the UK have a harder time getting fair treatment in court because of things like how much money they have or where they come from.

  
  

  People from poorer areas or groups that face discrimination might struggle to get a lawyer, understand the legal system, or trust the authorities.

  
  

  This means that certain groups might be treated unfairly by the justice system, and they might suffer more from crime and its effects.
• Underreporting of Crime (Limitation, Crime Control)

  Lots of crimes aren't reported in the UK because people are afraid, don't trust the police, or think the police won't help. When crimes aren't reported, it's tough for the police to know what's really happening and to help victims properly.

  
  

  For example, cases of domestic violence or hate crimes might not be reported much, so it's hard for the police to deal with these problems effectively.