AC 1.2 notes
🏛️
Organisation of the Criminal Justice System (CJS)
The Criminal Justice System (CJS) in the UK is managed by the Ministry of Justice (the
government department in charge of courts, prisons, probation, and law). It oversees multiple
agencies that work together to make sure justice is delivered fairly and lawfully.
🧾 Law Creation
Laws are created in two main ways:
1. Parliament – Laws made here are called:
o Acts of Parliament (formal laws passed by Parliament)
o Statutes (another word for Acts)
o Legislation (the process of making laws)
A Bill becomes law after it passes through both the House of Commons and the House of
Lords, and is signed by the Monarch (this is called Royal Assent).
2. Judges (Courts) – Laws made in two ways:
o Judicial Precedent (when judges follow past case decisions)
o Statutory Interpretation (when judges interpret unclear written laws)
👮♀️The Role of Agencies and How They Interact with Laws
🔷 Police
Main Role: Enforce laws, protect the public, gather evidence, arrest and detain
suspects.
Key Law: Must follow the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) – outlines
police powers and how suspects must be treated.
Court Support: Organise and present evidence in court; appear as witnesses.
Work with Probation: Help manage offenders nearing release.
Interactions:
Creation of Laws: Police enforce new laws made by Parliament or judges.
CPS (Crown Prosecution Service): Work closely to decide charges and collect
evidence. Can contact CPS 24/7 for charging advice.
Courts: Ensure suspects appear in court; give witness evidence.
Prison: Arrest people who breach bail/release conditions and take them back to prison.
🏛️
Organisation of the Criminal Justice System (CJS)
The Criminal Justice System (CJS) in the UK is managed by the Ministry of Justice (the
government department in charge of courts, prisons, probation, and law). It oversees multiple
agencies that work together to make sure justice is delivered fairly and lawfully.
🧾 Law Creation
Laws are created in two main ways:
1. Parliament – Laws made here are called:
o Acts of Parliament (formal laws passed by Parliament)
o Statutes (another word for Acts)
o Legislation (the process of making laws)
A Bill becomes law after it passes through both the House of Commons and the House of
Lords, and is signed by the Monarch (this is called Royal Assent).
2. Judges (Courts) – Laws made in two ways:
o Judicial Precedent (when judges follow past case decisions)
o Statutory Interpretation (when judges interpret unclear written laws)
👮♀️The Role of Agencies and How They Interact with Laws
🔷 Police
Main Role: Enforce laws, protect the public, gather evidence, arrest and detain
suspects.
Key Law: Must follow the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) – outlines
police powers and how suspects must be treated.
Court Support: Organise and present evidence in court; appear as witnesses.
Work with Probation: Help manage offenders nearing release.
Interactions:
Creation of Laws: Police enforce new laws made by Parliament or judges.
CPS (Crown Prosecution Service): Work closely to decide charges and collect
evidence. Can contact CPS 24/7 for charging advice.
Courts: Ensure suspects appear in court; give witness evidence.
Prison: Arrest people who breach bail/release conditions and take them back to prison.
