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Leicestershire Constabulary are responsible for investigating crimes, arresting or reporting people reasonably suspected of committing crimes and in preparing the prosecution case. They may charge or caution people arrested.   
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for reviewing prosecution files sent by the Police to decide wether or not acase should proceed and what the correct charge should be. It is also responsible for preparing casea and prosecuting them at Court.
The Probation Service advises the Court on the personal circumstances of those found guilty, the most suitable community sentence (if any) and the likelihoodof the defendant re-offending. It also supervises offenders on community sentences and those released from Prison on licence after serving a sentence of 12 months or more.
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) runs the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. It provides information, advice and legal representation to help over two million people each year get access to justice.
Her Majesty's Prison Service is responsible for the detention of those offenders sentenced to serve jail sentences. They are charged with taking care of these prisoners, treating them with respect, and helping them to stop their criminal behaviour. There are five prisons within Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Racial Equality Centre (TREC) is one of the largest Racial Equility Centres in the Country is a voluntary organisation that was established in 1991 to challenge discrimination as defined by the Race Relations Act 1976 and further strengthened by the Race Relations Act (amended) Bill and the Human Rights Act 1998.
Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS) is the criminal justice agency with responsibility for the Crown, County and Magistrates' Courts in England and Wales.

The Crown Court deals with more serious cases such as murder, rape or robbery, some of which are on appeal or referred from Magistrates' Courts. Trials are heard by a judge and a twelve person jury. Apart from people actually involved in the cases, members of the public may have to go to court as witnesses or to do jury service.

The County Court, often referred to as the Small Claims Court deals with civil matters such as debt repayment, divorce, adoption and housing disputs including mortgage and council rent arrears and re-possession.

The vast majority of criminal cases are dealt with by the Magistrates’ Courts, and there are six of these in Leicestershire and Rutland. They also deal with many civil cases. Cases are not heard by a jury, but usually by a panel of three volunteer "lay magistrates". A law professional will hear more complex cases.
Without the support of victims and witnesses it is likely that prosecutions will fail. Accordingly, Victim Support & Witness Service aims to ensure that victims and witnesses are given practical and emotional support before, during, and after a trial with the aim of reassuring and empowering them so that they are able to attend court and give evidence.
The Youth Justice Board is a body which works to reduce youth offending nationally. It is supported locally by Leicestershire Youth Offending Service and Leicester City Youth Offending Team.
The Home Office is the government department responsible for leading the national effort to protect the public from terrorism, crime and anti-social behaviour.
Inside Justice Week is your chance to see behind the scenes of the justice system in England and Wales.  From 17th - 24th October 2008 events up and down the country offer you the chance to see the inner workings of our police stations, courts and prisons. 
The Justice Awards recognises outstanding contributions amongst all those working or volunteering in the Criminal Justice System. 

This website contains links to other websites which we believe you may find useful.  These websites may be able to give you more information.  Please note, however, that we have no control over these sites.  Also, providing a link to these sites does not mean that we have checked or approve of their content.

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