AC1.1 – Law making
What is the role of the monarch in the law-making process?
To give Royal Assent, formally approving the bill so it becomes law.
Which agency is responsible for investigating crime and arresting suspects?
The police.
Which model focuses on protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair trial?
The Due Process Model.
Which aim of punishment focuses on reforming offenders so they do not reoffend?
Rehabilitation
Which agency decides whether there is enough evidence to prosecute a suspect?
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Name two stages of the parliamentary law-making process.
First Reading
Second Reading
Committee Stage
Report Stage
Third Reading
Royal Assent
Give two roles of the National Probation Service.
Supervising offenders on community sentences
Supervising offenders released on licence
Preparing pre-sentence reports for courts
Why is the crime control model sometimes described as a “conveyor belt” system?
Because it prioritises efficient processing and conviction of suspects quickly, sometimes risking mistakes to control crime.
What is meant by general deterrence?
Punishment that discourages the public in general from committing crime because they fear the consequences.
Identify two roles of the courts in the criminal justice system.
Determine guilt or innocence
Sentence offenders
Ensure a fair trial
Explain the difference between a Green Paper and a White Paper.
Green Paper:
Consultation document
Presents early proposals for law
White Paper:
Firm proposal for legislation
Issued after consultation.
Explain two ways the police work with other criminal justice agencies.
Work with the CPS by providing evidence to decide charges
Work with courts by giving evidence as witnesses
Work with prison and probation services when offenders are recalled
Explain one criticism of the crime control model.
the focus is on convictions rather than fairness
suspects’ rights may be ignored.
Explain how retribution reflects society’s moral values.
Retribution punishes offenders because they deserve punishment for wrongdoing.
It expresses society’s moral outrage and reinforces boundaries between right and wrong.
Explain two ways prisons act as agencies of social control.
Incapacitation – removes offenders from society
Rehabilitation programmes – attempt to change behaviour
Deterrence – fear of prison discourages crime.
Explain the role of the committee stage in the parliamentary law-making process.
At the committee stage:
MPs or Lords examine the bill clause by clause
Detailed scrutiny occurs
Amendments can be proposed
Ensures the bill is technically correct.
Explain how government departments influence the criminal justice system.
Provide funding to justice agencies
Set policy and priorities
Oversee agencies such as courts, prisons and police.
Explain two differences between the crime control model and the due process model.
Crime Control Model:
Focuses on efficient conviction
Prioritises crime reduction
Due Process Model:
Focuses on protecting rights of suspects
Prioritises fair trials and legal safeguards.
Explain two criticisms of deterrence as a method of punishment.
High reoffending rates suggest punishment does not deter offenders.
Some offenders do not act rationally (e.g. crimes committed under drugs or emotion).
Explain two ways the CPS contributes to social control.
Deciding whether suspects should be prosecuted
Presenting the prosecution case in court
Ensuring evidence meets legal standards.
Describe the process used by the government to make laws in the UK.
Green Paper consultation
White Paper proposal
First Reading
Second Reading debate
Committee Stage scrutiny
Report Stage amendments
Third Reading vote
Consideration by other house (ping pong)
Royal Assent
Describe the organisation of the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
Police – investigate crimes and arrest suspects
CPS – decides prosecutions
Courts – determine guilt and sentencing
HM Prison Service – manages custodial sentences
National Probation Service – supervises offenders
Government departments fund and oversee the system.
Describe the crime control model and the due process model of criminal justice.
Crime Control Model:
Focus on efficiency and crime reduction
“Conveyor belt” justice
Risk of wrongful convictions
Due Process Model:
Focus on fairness and legal safeguards
Presumption of innocence
Protection of human rights.
Discuss the main aims of punishment in the criminal justice system.
Retribution
Deterrence (individual and general)
Rehabilitation
Public protection / incapacitation
Explain the role of criminal justice agencies in maintaining social control.
Police enforce law and deter crime
CPS prosecutes offenders
Courts administer justice
Prisons incapacitate offenders
Probation supervises offenders and rehabilitates.