ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the various agencies that comprise the criminal justice system. It also discusses the role of the criminal justice system. The chapter provides key information on the main criminal justice agencies by considering their role, structure, organization, personnel, finance and control and accountability. It ecplores the main characteristics of the devolved criminal justice systems that operate in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The chapter evaluates key developments affecting criminal justice policy since 1997, focusing on joined-up government, the reassurance agenda and the state's response to anti-social behaviour. The bulk of decisions relating to the prosecution of criminal offences are made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The 1997 Labour government initially sought to tackle anti-social behaviour through the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) that were contained in the provisions of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act.
