ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to set the context for the following chapters by providing a brief discussion of the various agencies that comprise the criminal justice system.
In particular it will:
• briefl y discuss the role of the criminal justice system;
• provide some key information on the main criminal justice agencies by considering their role, structure, organization, personnel, fi nance and control and accountability;
• consider the manner in which the criminal justice system caters for victims of and witnesses to crime;
• discuss the key characteristics of the devolved criminal justice systems that operate in Scotland and Northern Ireland;
• evaluate key developments affecting criminal justice policy since 1997, focusing on joined-up government, re-balancing the criminal justice system and the reassurance agenda.
