FAQ
- What does the Criminal Justice System (CJS) do?
- Which groups is the CJS made up of?
- Who decides whether a case will be prosecuted or not?
- Where can I find out more about the Criminal Justice Act 2003?
- How do I contact a Criminal Justice Board for my area?
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.
Back to topWhich groups is the CJS made up of?
The Criminal Justice System is made up of several agencies: the police, the judiciary and the courts. Three Government departments share the responsibility for the CJS. These are the Home Office, the Department for Constitutional Affairs, and the Crown Prosecution Service. A National Criminal Justice Board with made up of representatives from all of these departments oversees 42 Local Criminal Justice Boards which operate around the country.
Back to topWho 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.
Back to topWhere can I find out more about the Criminal Justice Act 2003?
Back to topThe Act is available to read in full, or to buy in hard copy, at: http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030044.htm
Back to topHow do I contact a Criminal Justice Board for my area?
Your Local Criminal Justice Board can be found online at www.lcjb.cjsonline.gov.uk/lancashire
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