3.1 Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
Explain the role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in social control.
A
- Aims/Objectives: Prosecute criminal cases independently and fairly in England and Wales.
- Philosophy: Impartial, independent from police, focused on justice and fairness.
- Working Practices: Uses a two-part test (evidential + public interest), prepares and presents cases, 13 geographical areas + CPS Direct for 24/7 decisions.
- Criminality/Offenders: Handles a wide range, especially serious and complex cases.
- Local/National Reach: National service across England and Wales.
- Funding: Government-funded (£567m in 2020), recovers costs from convicted offenders and asset seizures.
2
Q
Explain the role of the Police in social control.
A
- Aims/Objectives: Prevent crime, protect the public, maintain order, and enforce laws.
- Philosophy: Community-based policing, accountability, lawful power use.
- Working Practices: 45 regional forces + national bodies (e.g., NCA), includes CID, Special Ops, PCSOs, and PCCs.
- Criminality/Offenders: Handles all types from minor to national-level crime.
- Local/National Reach: Operates both locally and nationally.
- Funding: Funded through central grants and local council tax.
3
Q
Explain the role of the Judiciary in social control.
A
- Aims/Objectives: Apply the law fairly, oversee trials, pass sentences, and rule on appeals.
- Philosophy: Judicial independence and impartiality.
- Working Practices: Split into superior and inferior judges; not elected; explain legal procedures, guide juries, and interpret law.
- Criminality/Offenders: Handles a range from minor to major cases, especially complex or appealed ones.
- Local/National Reach: Local courts to national appellate courts.
- Funding: Funded via taxes; salaries set by SSRB.
4
Q
Explain the role of HM Prison Service in social control.
A
- Aims/Objectives: Secure custody of offenders and rehabilitation for reintegration.
- Philosophy: Safety, reform, and humane treatment.
- Working Practices: Operates 109 public prisons + 13 private ones (e.g., G4S), categories A–D based on risk, uses a behavior-based privilege system.
- Criminality/Offenders: Deals with sentenced and high-risk offenders.
- Local/National Reach: Nationwide service across England and Wales.
- Funding: Government-funded (£5.63bn in 2021), some private prisons under contract.
5
Q
Explain the role of the National Probation Service (NPS) in social control.
A
- Aims/Objectives: Supervise high-risk offenders in the community and reduce reoffending.
- Philosophy: Public protection through rehabilitation and support.
- Working Practices: Manages over 30,000 offenders; provides pre-sentence reports, supervises released prisoners, runs unpaid work and treatment programs.
- Criminality/Offenders: High-risk offenders post-sentence or on parole.
- Local/National Reach: National presence via 35 trusts.
- Funding: Publicly funded through NOMS; private partners self-funded.
6
Q
Explain the role of the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) in social control.
A
- Aims/Objectives: Promote humane prisons, reduce imprisonment, and protect rights.
- Philosophy: Reform-focused, human rights-based, non-governmental.
- Working Practices: Research, policy work, and campaigns (‘Out of Trouble’, ‘Out for Good’). Offers legal info and supports families.
- Criminality/Offenders: Advocates systemic changes; does not manage offenders directly.
- Local/National Reach: National focus through lobbying and education.
- Funding: Entirely funded by voluntary donations.
7
Q
Explain the role of the Howard League for Penal Reform in social control.
A
- Aims/Objectives: Reduce prison population and promote safer communities.
- Philosophy: Evidence-based, anti-prison expansion, focus on rehabilitation and youth.
- Working Practices: Campaigns (‘Books for Prisoners’, youth arrest reduction), works with Parliament and media.
- Criminality/Offenders: Focuses on systemic reform and youth justice.
- Local/National Reach: Operates nationally, policy-focused.
- Funding: Voluntarily funded; independent of government.
