Criminology Unit 4, Topic 1.2: Organization of the Criminal Justice System

Overview

• Topic covers the organization of the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
• Focus on five key areas:
  1. Law creation
  2. Role of the police
  3. Role of the courts
  4. Formal punishments
  5. Relationships between different organizations
• Important to understand interrelationships and cooperation among agencies.

Key Components of the Criminal Justice System

Law Creation

• Laws are created in Parliament or by judges if there is no precedent.

The Police

• Enforce laws, investigate crimes, collect evidence, arrest, detain, and question suspects.
• Issue cautions or fixed penalty notices for minor offenses.

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

• Decides if a case should go to court, advises police, and applies the full code test.
• Prepares and presents prosecution cases in court.

Courts

• Cases are initially brought before magistrates' courts; serious crimes go to Crown Court.
• Magistrates decide on bail, guilty pleas, and handle less serious crimes.

HM Prison and Probation Services

• Supervise offenders in custody, implement punishments, and facilitate rehabilitation.
• Probation service supervises offenders in the community and those released on license.

Relationships Between Organizations

• Police and CPS: Collaborate on evidence and charging decisions.
• Police and Courts: Provide evidence, protect vulnerable witnesses, hold and transport defendants.
• Police and Prison Services: Arrest individuals breaching terms of license and ensure public protection.
• CPS and Courts: Present cases in court and appeal against lenient sentences.
• Prison and Probation Services: Work together for offender supervision and rehabilitation.

Study Activities

• Use cut-and-stick activities to organize the sequence of criminal justice processes.
• Draw pictures to aid memory (e.g., police car, gavel).
• Create color-coded spider diagrams to visualize relationships.

Exam Preparation

• Be prepared to answer questions on relationships and roles of agencies.
• Use examples and case studies to support answers.
• Remember key keywords and details for higher marks.

Sample Exam Questions

• Describe the relationship between the CPS and police (5 marks).
• Describe relationships between police, CPS, and courts (6 marks).
• Describe relationships involving the prison service (9 marks).
• Plan answers using diagrams and detailed notes.

Additional Notes

• Research voluntary agencies like Prison Reform Trust, Victim Support, Howard League for Penal Reform, etc.
• Understand the role of MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) in managing high-risk offenders.

Conclusion

• Mastery of this topic is crucial despite its repetition from previous units.
• A solid understanding of the criminal justice system's structure and relationships is essential for exam success.