What's New – 2004 archive
New Guidelines Announced to Deliver Consistency and Clarity in Criminal Sentencing
16 Dec 2004
The Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) has today published the final versions of its first guidelines for Judges and Magistrates, designed to promote consistent and effective sentencing across the Criminal Justice System.
Evidence of Bad Character to be Disclosed to Juries
15 Dec 2004
From today, evidence of a defendant's previous convictions and other misconduct will be admissible in criminal trials provided it is relevant, will throw new light on the case, and is not likely to make the trial unfair. This reverses the current position, where evidence of a defendant's bad character is generally not admitted in criminal proceedings.
Witness Care Project Improves Witness Attendance At Court
13 Dec 2004
Specialist witness care units improved witness attendance at court by nearly 20 percent in five criminal justice areas according to an independent evaluation report into the pilot phase of 'No Witness No Justice', a joint Crown Prosecution Service and police project.
Tackling Crime and Vandalism: Home Secretary Outlines Government Plans
07 Dec 2004
Detailed proposals to establish the Serious Organised Crime Agency and additional new measures to tackle crime, including dealing with child vandals, underage drinking and uninsured drivers were set out today by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, as the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill received its second reading in the House of Commons.
Lord Falconer signals better court facilities for victims and witnesses
06 Dec 2004
A better deal for victims and witnesses, with more specialist facilities in courts, was announced today by Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer.
Ministers Crack Down On Criminals on State Benefits
02 Dec 2004
Criminals on Jobseekers' Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit who refuse to pay court fines for offences such as theft, vandalism and handling stolen goods face a tougher penalty from next month.
Giving Child Witnesses The Support They Need
01 Dec 2004
The Government today launched a review of how children give evidence in court proceedings, in order to ensure that child witnesses are able to give their best evidence and receive the support they need. The review will seek the views of Criminal Justice partners, academics and voluntary organisations on how the special measures for child witnesses work in practice and whether any improvements can be made to help child witnesses.
Home Office Launch Community Sentences Campaign
30 Nov 2004
There is a lot of misunderstanding about community sentences - from the general public and from practitioners. There is a common misconception amongst the public that prison is the only effective way to manage offenders, but research shows that community sentences can provide a successful route out of criminal activity.
North Liverpool Residents Support New Community Justice Initiative
29 Nov 2004
Local residents are voicing their support for North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, a radical new initiative designed to improve quality of life in the area by reducing criminal activity and the fear of crime, while providing advice and support to the community.
Victims Fund: Provision for Victims of Sexual Offending
24 Nov 2004
The Home Office is placing £4 million over two years, recovered from the proceeds of crime, into the new Victims Fund to support the development of community-based services for victims of sexual offending.
Crime and security top Government Agenda in The Queen's Speech
23 Nov 2004
Her Majesty The Queen has outlined the Government's legislative programme for the coming year. Key measures to reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and combat re-offending featured in a total of 37 bills and draft bills.
Should court proceedings be broadcast? Online discussion forum launched
22 Nov 2004
On 15 November 2004 the Department for Constitutional Affairs launched a consultation paper on the subject of broadcasting court proceedings.
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill Receives Royal Assent
15 Nov 2004
Protection and support for victims of crime was greatly strengthened today as the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill received Royal Assent. The Act is the biggest overhaul of domestic violence legislation for thirty years and heralds tough new powers for the police and the courts to tackle offenders, while ensuring victims get the support and protection they need.
Feature: National crackdown on fine defaulters already yielding results.
12 Nov 2004
A nation-wide crackdown on fine dodgers has begun. It was launched by a national advertising campaign, and in regions up and down the country the message (Think You'll Get Away With It? Think Again) is already getting through.
Local Criminal Justice Boards join-up to address race issues in the CJS
12 Nov 2004
The first meeting of the Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) National Race Forum took place yesterday, 11 November 2004. The aim of the Forum is to share and disseminate good practice across LCJB areas and bring consistency across the system on race issues.
Punishment for murder should reflect the crime says Home Secretary
08 Nov 2004
Home Secretary David Blunkett today re-stated his commitment to upholding new principles for setting murder tariffs - ensuring those convicted of murder receive a punishment that reflects the unique nature and seriousness of the crime.
£15 Million to drive down crime
02 Nov 2004
A hi-tech vehicle number plate scanning system that has seen police arrest rates soar and millions of pounds worth of stolen goods recovered is to receive a £15 million boost, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced today.
Local Criminal Justice Boards continue to make progress against key government targets
27 Oct 2004
The Criminal Justice System continues to get better at delivering justice according to the latest quarterly statistics published today. Local performance figures for each of the 42 Local Criminal Justice Boards on delivery against key Government criminal justice targets are published today for Quarter 1 2004/5. They cover performance up to June 2004 and the majority of local boards have shown improvements since the previous quarter.
Justice Awards winners announced
26 Oct 2004
The winners of the first Justice Awards have been announced and will receive their awards during a ceremony at 10 Downing Street today. The event will be compered by Crimewatch UK's Nick Ross and hosted by the Prime Minister and Baroness Scotland, the Home Office Minister for the Criminal Justice System.
Judge Named To Take Forward Ground-Breaking Community Justice Centre
18 Oct 2004
The judge who will lead a pioneering community justice centre in Liverpool has been named today as David Fletcher. North Liverpool Community Justice Centre (CJC) is the first of its kind in England and Wales, and will aim to bring justice closer to the community.
Baroness Scotland visits National Reassurance Policing Project in Birmingham
15 Oct 2004
Baroness Scotland, Minister of State for the Criminal Justice System and Law Reform arrived in Birmingham today on a visit to West Midlands Police.
Video Links In Youth Courts To Protect Child Witnesses
14 Oct 2004
Leicester link first to be located outside a court
Inside Justice Week - opens the Criminal Justice System to the public
11 Oct 2004
Mock trials, court open days and 'Justice Roadshows' - these are just some of the events being organised for members of the public during a week long event aimed at opening up the Criminal Justice System (CJS).
Excellence in Delivering Justice
11 Oct 2004
Have you ever wondered about the work of the people working behind the scenes in the Criminal Justice System? The finalists of the 2004 Justice Awards have been announced and offer a fascinating snapshot of the wide variety of dedicated work which goes on.
Victims and Witnesses benefit from new model of care
11 Oct 2004
Coming forward to be a witness in court can be a daunting experience. The process may seem intimidating; the time commitment required hard to balance with a busy daily life. But the end result can be hugely rewarding.
New Criminal Justice System website launched
11 Oct 2004
With your help the CJS Online website has undergone a major overhaul. This is part of a commitment by the Criminal Justice System to improving the services and information available to the public.
Nowhere To Hide: Magistrates Get Access To Database To Track Down Offenders
05 Oct 2004
Magistrates across England and Wales will soon have unprecedented access to a database to help them track down hard-to-find offenders who have defaulted on court penalties.