Frequently asked questions
What does the Criminal Justice System (CJS) do?
The Criminal Justice System is one of our major public services. It works to prevent and deal with crime and offenders in this country. Core activity includes: protecting the public and supporting victims and witnesses, bringing offenders to justice, turning offenders away from crime and stopping crime from happening in the first place.
Which groups is the CJS made up of?
The Criminal Justice System is made up of six agencies:- the Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service, Her Majesty's Court Service, the National Offender Management Service (comprising prisons and probation) and the Youth Justice Board.
Criminal justice also involves judges and magistrates, defence solicitors, local authorities, the education system, the health sector and voluntary organisations (such as Victim Support). Other stakeholders include Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (or Community Safety Partnerships in Wales) and the Legal Services Commission.
Three Government departments jointly share responsibility for the CJS. These are the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and the Office of the Attorney General.
The National Criminal Justice Board brings together CJS Ministers and other senior officials to set the framework and strategy for 42 Local Criminal Justice Boards operating throughout England and Wales.
Who decides whether a case will be prosecuted or not?
Once a charge has been brought against someone by the police, the case is referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). There it will be decided whether or not the evidence is strong enough to support further criminal proceedings.
Where can I find out more about the Criminal Justice Act 2003?
The Act is available to read in full, or to buy in hard copy, at:
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030044.htm
How do I contact a Criminal Justice Board for my area?
Your Local Criminal Justice Board can be found at www.lcjb.cjsonline.org