ABSTRACT
A great deal of research has been generated examining the experiences that Caribbean, African and Asian people have of the criminal justice system (Hood 1992; Fitzgerald 1993; Kalunta-Crumpton, 1998). These experiences have been predominantly documented in racial or ethnic terms, placing religion as a feature of difference in a somewhat minor role (Beckford and Gilliat 1998). For example, direct and institutional racism by the police, the courts and the penal system has been discussed, yet discrimination on the grounds of religion has rarely been addressed. Nonetheless, reflecting the changing nature of British society, people from a variety of different faiths are increasingly coming into contact with the criminal justice system. It is important, therefore, to consider the extent to which criminal justice agencies have catered to the religious needs of these individuals, and the extent to which particular religions are marginalised by the criminal justice system.
