The Criminal Justice System

Description

THIRD EDITION 2008*: Part of our growing Introductory Series. A comprehensive and accessible overview of the Criminal Justice System, its framework, institutions, practitioners and working methods that will be of interest to any reader seeking an up-to-date description of this important and historic sphere of public affairs. An informative, practical handbook that describes the wide-ranging developments and changes that have taken place in relation to crime prevention, public safety, the entire criminal process and the punishment of offenders. Highly acclaimed since first published in 1995, this new extensively updated edition of The Criminal Justice System covers the spectrum of the criminal process against a backdrop of the Common Law, legislation and human rights from investigation and arrest to trial, sentence, release from prison and parole, as well as such key reforms as the Ministry of Justice and new-style Home Office.

Topics covered include: Investigation, arrest and charge; The police and policing; The Crown Prosecution Service; The courts of law; Trial and sentence; Appeal and review; Due process; Judges and magistrates; Law officers; The Criminal Defence Service; Advocates and legal representation; Victims and witnesses; Interpreters; Guidelines, codes, protocols and Best Practice; The National Offender Management Service; The Probation Service; HM Prison Service; Imprisonment and parole; Independent Monitoring Board; The private sector; The voluntary sector; Strategy; Criminal policy; Cabinet committees; Partnership and working together; Community justice; Restorative justice; The Youth Justice System; Constitutional affairs and human rights; Accountability, oversight, inspection and monitoring; With a Glossary of Words, Phrases, Acronyms and Abbreviations.

Part of our growing Introductory Series.

Reviews

‘This is an excellent book and is one which any student studing criminal justice should buy. The book will be particular interest to my first year undergraduate students studying an ‘Introduction to Criminal Process and Procedure’ module. This text will be key in assisting them in their academic journey. A recommended buy for my students!’: Laura Monteith, Runshaw College

‘So straightforward and comprehensive – perfect. I loved it, and so will my first years’: Claire Kinsella, Edge Hill University

‘Up to date information on recent changes. Very well written in clear informative style. Good definitions and Glossary’: Ann Kneebone, Truro and Penwith College

‘This is a book, which can be purchased and read by the man in the street without having concern about misunderstanding words, expressions, etc. For the more legal minded it is a superb introduction to any legal aspect before advancing into a more complicated legal tome. It is book that can be recommended to anyone requiring clarification on a legal subject in plain words’: Internet Law Book Reviews

‘The range of topics is broad and apt. The language is accessible and the layout clear. There are short sections on the successive steps involved as an offence is investigated, a suspect charged, convicted, imprisoned and released under supervision. The agencies which support and invigilate the process are introduced and there is a useful glossary’: Independent Monitor

A closely observed analysis of the twenty-first century Criminal Justice System which can be read on its own or in conjunction with the ‘top-down’ descriptions in The New Ministry of Justice and The New Home Office.

Authors

Bryan Gibson is a barrister-at-law and editor-in-chief, Waterside Press. Paul Cavadino is chief executive of Nacro. David Faulkner is a senior research fellow at the Centre for Criminological Research, Oxford University

* Previous editions were titled “Introduction to the Criminal Justice Process”.