The prosecution process

This chapter examines the procedures that are used to deal with those accused of having committed a crime from their arrest to sentencing. Specifi cally it:

• examines the role of summary justice as a response to crime;

• describes the procedures used in connection with those accused of crime, from arrest to trial;

• evaluates the role of the Crown Prosecution Service;

• describes the structure of the legal profession and the criminal and civil courts in England and Wales and evaluates reform proposals;

• analyses the rationale, strengths and weaknesses of the system of trial by jury and discusses reforms made or proposed to be made to this system;

• evaluates why miscarriages of justice occur and analyses the impact of reforms designed to reduce the likelihood of such occurrences;

• considers the use of discretion in the prosecution process and analyses reforms designed to reduce its usage by key professionals in the criminal justice process.