AC 1.2

• What are the main components of the criminal justice system in England and Wales?

  The main components are law creation and administration, law enforcement, the courts, and punishment of convicted offenders.
• How is the criminal justice system structured in England and Wales?

  It is structured into interconnected organizations and agencies that work together.
• What are the main parts of the criminal justice system?

  • Law creation and administration
  • Law enforcement by the police
  • The courts (including prosecution and defense)
  • Punishment of convicted offenders by prisons and probation services
• Who creates laws dealing with crime in England and Wales?

  Parliament and judges create laws dealing with crime.
• What is the role of Parliament in law creation?

  Parliament passes Acts (legislation or statute law).
• How do judges contribute to law creation?

  Judges create law by setting judicial precedents and interpreting statutes.
• Which government departments oversee the justice system?

  The Ministry of Justice and the Home Office oversee the justice system.
• What are the responsibilities of the police in the criminal justice system?

  The police investigate crimes, collect evidence, and arrest suspects.
• How many regional police forces are there in England and Wales?

  There are 43 regional police forces in England and Wales.
• What is the role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)?


  The CPS is responsible for deciding whether to prosecute cases and what charges to bring.
• How many cases does the CPS deal with annually?


  The CPS deals with about half a million cases a year.
• What is the Full Code Test used by the CPS?

  The Full Code Test is a guideline used to assess whether to prosecute a case.
• What is the responsibility of HM Courts and Tribunals Service?

  HM Courts and Tribunals Service is responsible for the administration of the courts and tribunals.
• What happens once a suspect is charged?

  The suspect is brought before the magistrates' court to plead guilty or not guilty.
• What types of offences do magistrates' courts deal with?

  Magistrates' courts deal with less serious offences.
• What is the role of the jury in the Crown Court?

  The jury decides the verdict in serious criminal cases.
• How do the courts determine the punishment for offenders?

  The judge or magistrate decides the punishment based on relevant statutes and Sentencing Guidelines.
• What is the role of HM Prison and Probation Service?

  HM Prison and Probation Service carries out the sentences given to offenders by the courts.
• What does the National Probation Service do?

  The National Probation Service supervises offenders serving sentences in the community.
• What is the goal of the prison and probation services?

  The goal is to rehabilitate offenders to lead a crime-free life.
• What are the relationships between the police and other justice agencies?

  • The police provide evidence to the courts.
  • The police work with the CPS to prosecute offenders.
  • The police collaborate with prison and probation services to manage offenders.
  • The police refer victims to voluntary organizations for support.
• What are the relationships of the CPS with other justice agencies?

  • The CPS advises the police on evidence collection.
  • The CPS instructs the police on charging suspects.
  • The CPS prepares and presents cases in court.
  • The CPS prepares appeals against unduly lenient sentences.
• What are the relationships of government departments with the justice system?

  • Government departments provide funding for the justice system.
  • The Ministry of Justice oversees the courts and probation services.
  • The Home Office is responsible for national policing policies.
• What are the relationships of HM Courts and Tribunals Service with other agencies?

  • HM Courts and Tribunals Service supervises the court system.
  • It funds individual courts.
  • It arranges video links for prisoners giving evidence.
• What are the relationships of the National Probation Service with other agencies?

  • The National Probation Service supervises offenders on community sentences.
  • It prepares pre-sentencing reports for the courts.
  • It liaises with the Prison Service regarding prisoner releases.
• What are the relationships of HM Prison Service with other agencies?

  • HM Prison Service carries out custodial sentences imposed by the courts.
  • It supervises defendants remanded into custody.
  • It facilitates visits from defense lawyers to clients in prison.
• What role do voluntary organizations play in the criminal justice system?

  • They support victims throughout investigations and trials.
  • They liaise with police, courts, and CPS.
  • Examples include Victim Support, Nacro, and Women's Aid.
• What campaigns exist to change the justice system?

  • The Howard League for Penal Reform
  • The Prison Reform Trust
  • INQUEST
  • These campaigns work with various justice agencies to advocate for reform.