What's New
Improving the compensation service for victims of violent crime
18 June 2008
The Government today announced changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to complement efficiency improvements being made by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Bail and murder consultation
17 June 2008
This consultation asks whether the rules governing the enforcement of bail conditions and the grant of bail to suspects charged with murder should be revised in the light of recent cases of murder and manslaughter committed by persons on bail.
EU trials in absence – UK consultation responses published
4 June 2008
The Government today published responses to its consultation on proposed new rules for cross-border cases in the European Union where judgments are made in the accused's absence. Responses were generally supportive of the proposals which aimed to improve mutual recognition of judgements and to set clearer rules about the procedural safeguards that member states need to meet in order to enforce a decision in the accused's absence.
Revised Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines (MCSG) – Published 12th May 2008
12 May 2008
The Sentencing Guidelines Council has published the definitive guidelines. The guidelines will be implemented on 4th August 2008.
An electronic version of the guidelines is being circulated to key stakeholders and interested parties, and is available on our website.
Hard copies will be ready for distribution from the last week in May. Every District Judge, magistrate and legal adviser will receive an individual copy in readiness for implementation of the guidelines. For the purposes of the distribution, priority is being given to those courts and areas that are commencing their training programmes imminently.
Copies of the guidelines will also be sent to every Crown Court centre.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
2 May 2008
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
Peart Report published
28 April 2008
A joint inspectorate report has been published on the circumstances which led to the murder of Richard Whelan by Anthony Peart in London in 2005.
Crime and Communities Review – Have your say
04 April 2008
The government is looking at how local communities, the police, local criminal justice agencies and other local partners can best work together to reduce crime, raise community confidence, improve information to local people and lower the fear of crime. It is also is looking at what makes people get involved in tackling problems in their community.
Council Consults on Sentencing Guideline for Theft and Burglary (Non-Dwelling) Offences
10 Mar 2008
Offenders who target elderly victims and steal from them on the street or in their homes should face custodial sentences – the Sentencing Guidelines Council recommends today in a consultation guideline on theft offences.
New Business Plan published for Criminal Justice System
28 Feb 2008
Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs) will take a leading role in reforming criminal justice services, according to the new Criminal Justice System Business Plan published today.
EU Trial in absence - Attorney General launches UK consultation for clearer standards
28 Feb 2008
Moves to strengthen legal safeguards across the EU for people tried abroad in their absence are set out in a consultation paper issued by Baroness Scotland, the Attorney General, today.
Government response to Sentencing Guidelines Council’s draft guidelines on assault published
27 Feb 2008
The Government has published its response to the Sentencing Guidelines Council’s (SGC) draft guidelines on “Assault and other offences against the person” and “Overarching Principles: Assaults on children and cruelty to a child”, which was sent to the SGC on 21 November 2007.
Council Publishes Guidelines for Sentencers dealing with Assaults and Child Cruelty Offences
20 Feb 2008
Violent offenders who carry weapons to the scene of a crime and use them on victims should face severe sentences – says a definitive guideline published today by the Sentencing Guidelines Council.
New Chief Executive David Wood takes over at Office for Criminal Justice Reform
18 Feb 2008
David Wood, formerly Director for Policy and Process at the Office for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR) took over as the organisation’s Acting Chief Executive today.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
04 Feb 2008
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
New draft sentencing guideline for causing death by driving
09 Jan 2008
Drivers who kill after flagrantly ignoring the rules of the road and disregard the danger they pose to others should be given jail terms of at least seven years, recommends a draft guideline published today for consultation.
Findings on conditional cautioning published
17 Dec 2007
The Government is today publishing three papers on conditional cautioning which will be of interest to police and prosecutors.
Government response to Sentencing Guidelines Council draft guideline on Bail Act offences
29 Nov 2007
In a letter of 6 August 2007, David Hanson MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice wrote on behalf of the Government by way of response to the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) draft guideline on Bail Act offences.
Convicting rapists and protecting victims - Government announces new measures
28 Nov 2007
The Solicitor General, Vera Baird today announced the response to the Government’s consultation paper on convicting rapists and protecting victims – the results of which will play an important part in improving the outcome for victims in rape cases.
The Criminal Justice System Strategic Plan (2008 - 2011) - a local say in delivering justice
15 Nov 2007
An important milestone in the development of a more effective and joined-up criminal justice system (CJS) was marked today with events in Birmingham and London.
Consultation Paper on Sentencing of Corporate Manslaughter
15 Nov 2007
On Thursday 15th November the Sentencing Advisory Panel issued a consultation paper on sentencing for corporate manslaughter. Responses are requested by 7 February 2008.
Prison Imam Scoops Top Justice Award
05 Nov 2007
A Muslim member of the Prison Service Chaplaincy today scooped Britain’s top justice award for his work to bring down re-offending.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
31 Oct 2007
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
Statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System 2006
30 Oct 2007
The latest statistics on race and the Criminal Justice System (CJS) are published today by the Ministry of Justice.
2007 National Justice Awards Finalists Announced
18 Oct 2007
Front line staff and senior justice officials across England and Wales are celebrating the success of their colleagues folowing the announcement of the finalists for the 2007 national Justice Awards.
The Government publishes its response to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee Report: Young Black People and the Criminal Justice System
18 Oct 2007
In detailed responses to each of the Committee's recommendations published in June 2007, today's response describes work already underway across Government to tackle the issues highlighted and signals its commitment to build on this progress.
The Criminal Justice System opens its doors to the public
12 Oct 2007
The public will get a unique glimpse into the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in this year’s Inside Justice Week taking place across England and Wales from 3 - 10 November.
New Criminal Justice System targets announced for 2008-2011
10 Oct 2007
The Government today published the outcome of its Comprehensive Spending Review. The white paper sets out departmental budgets and priorities for the next three financial years. This includes the three departments which are jointly responsible for the Criminal Justice System (CJS) - the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Law Officers.
Government response to the consultation on quashing convictions
08 Oct 2007
The Government is today (Monday 8 October) publishing the results of the Quashing Convictions Consultation. A total of 33 responses were received from interested parties during the three month consultation period between September and December 2006.
Responses to the consultation paper Making Sentencing Clearer
08 Oct 2007
The Government today published a summary of the responses to its consultation paper Making Sentencing Clearer.
Beacon Approach drives local criminal justice reform
10 Sep 2007
The National Criminal Justice Board has a vision of the Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJB) as the leaders of change in the CJS, driving criminal justice reform in their respective areas to achieve the greatest improvements in local services. The Beacon Approach, currently being developed with ten LCJBs, is a mechanism for delivering this vision.
Responses to the consultation paper Bringing Offenders to Justice: Criminal Justice Penalties and Sentencing
28 Aug 2007
The consultation explored the way police and prosecutors take decisions in types of criminal cases which may or may not be dealt with by a court.
Quarterly Performance Figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published 31 July 2007
31 Jul 2007
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
Improving Justice Delivery for Victims and Witnesses
26 Jul 2007
Better justice for victims and witnesses is the aim of an updated Criminal Case Management Framework (CCMF) designed to help all those dealing with cases in magistrates’ courts.
Restricting the use of backed for bail warrants
04 Jul 2007
In its review 'Re-balancing the Criminal Justice System in favour of the law-abiding majority' published in July 2006, the Government committed to consult on how to restrict the use of backed for bail warrants. The consultation was published on 28th December 2006. This paper summarises the response to that consultation.
Improving the Criminal Trial Process for Young Witnesses
22 Jun 2007
The Government recognises that witnesses are vital to the success of the criminal justice process and is determined to ensure that young victims and witnesses have access to justice.
Ministry of Justice Launched
09 May 2007
The Ministry of Justice was today hailed as a "huge step forward" in the government's drive to reform courts, prisons and the probation service.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published 3 May 2007
03 May 2007
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
Government Response to Draft Sentencing Guidelines on Sexual Offences
30 Apr 2007
In April this year, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) - an independent body comprising members of the judiciary, police, legal professions and those with substantial experience of promoting the interests of victims - published draft guidelines for judges dealing with cases where offenders are found guilty of offences in the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Sexual Violence & Abuse Action Plan
02 Apr 2007
A new cross-government action plan on sexual violence and abuse has been backed up by an immediate investment of £2 million for support services for victims of sexual abuse.
Ministry of Justice Announcement
29 Mar 2007
The Prime Minister today (29 March 2007) announced that a new Ministry of Justice will be established. The changes will come into effect on 9 May 2007.
Research Announced on Public Attitudes to Alternatives to Prosecution
29 Mar 2007
The Office for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR) commissioned Ipsos MORI to undertake qualitative and quantitative research into public attitudes to alternatives to prosecution, which was conducted between March and May 2006.
Consultation on the revised Code of Practice for conditional cautions
06 Mar 2007
The conditional cautions scheme aims to divert lower level offenders from court and has proved effective in addressing the needs of both victims and offenders, allowing swift and appropriate resolutions. Conditions are aimed at rehabilitation (addressing the offender’s behaviour) and/or reparation (making good the harm the offender has caused) and may include restorative justice processes. Conditional cautions are not aimed at contested or more serious cases, or at prolific or serious offenders, for whom Court is the right forum for deliberation and adjudication.
Simple Speedy Summary Justice
28 Feb 2007
Simple Speedy Summary Justice (CJSSS), a new way of working to encompass a simpler set of processes and procedures, has been successfully piloted in magistrates’ courts in four areas.
Sentencing advisory panel consults on offences taken into consideration
08 Feb 2007
Heavier sentences will always be appropriate in cases where offenders convicted of a criminal offence admit to other crimes. That is the clear message set out in a consultation paper published today by the Sentencing Advisory Panel.
Sentencing Advisors to Probe Public Views on Punishments for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
25 Jan 2007
The public is to be asked for views on appropriate sentences for drivers who commit offences that result in the death of one or more victims in a major consultation launched today. The Sentencing Advisory Panel is commissioning independent researchers to investigate public attitudes to sentences in death by driving cases.
Revised Consultation Guideline on Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea
22 Jan 2007
In December 2004, the Council issued a definitive guideline ‘Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea’, to be applied to offences sentenced on or after 10th January 2005. At the request of the Council, the Sentencing Advisory Panel has conducted a review of the guideline involving extensive consultation. The Council has prepared a revised draft guideline for consultation which is published today.
Bringing Offenders to Justice - Criminal Justice Penalties and Sentencing
02 Jan 2007
The purpose of this paper is to summarise Government’s current policy on penalties and sentencing. In particular, it sets out where out of court penalties and other interventions fit in our overall approach. It is intended to provide information to support current public consultation exercises, such as those on sentencing 'Making Sentencing Clearer' and on anti social behaviour 'Strengthening powers to tackle Anti Social Behaviour', both of which were published in November 2006.
Sentencing Guidelines Council sends strong message that domestic violence is a serious offence
07 Dec 2006
Domestic violence should be treated by courts as seriously as other violent crimes - that is the principle at the heart of new sentencing guidelines on Domestic Violence and Breach of a Protective Order published today for judges and magistrates.
Home Office responds to draft guidelines on domestic violence and breach of a protective order
07 Dec 2006
In April this year, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) - an independent body comprising members of the judiciary, police, legal professions and those with substantial experience of promoting the interests of victims - published draft guidelines for judges dealing with cases where offenders are found guilty of breach of a protective order or of an offence involving domestic violence.
Cockle Picker Crimefighters Scoop Top Justice Award
24 Nov 2006
The crimefighters who secured justice for the victims of the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers tragedy have scooped the Justice Shield, the top award in the 2006 Justice Awards, for the most exceptional justice performance of the year.
Older People Encouraged to Vounteer in Justice System
22 Nov 2006
Older people are being encouraged to get involved in the fight against crime by volunteering in the Criminal Justice System. The call comes from leading charity Age Concern to mark Inside Justice Week, a government campaign to open up the justice system to the public.
Inside Justice Week is Payback Time
17 Nov 2006
Graffiti in your town centre getting you down? Rubbish strewn across your local park driving you mad? Does your local community centre need a new lick of paint? Ever considered that offenders on unpaid work punishments might be able to do some of the work for you – for free?
Simple Sentencing and Public Protection
09 Nov 2006
New proposals to simplify sentencing and better protect the public were unveiled today by Home Secretary John Reid. The measures will strengthen judges’ hands in dealing with dangerous offenders and improve the public’s understanding of sentencing.
Criminal Justice System opens its doors to the public
06 Nov 2006
The public will have the chance to get a unique glimpse behind the criminal justice system as this year's Inside Justice Week gets underway across England and Wales.
Theft and Dishonesty Offences - Consultation Paper published
01 Nov 2006
Thieves who target elderly victims on the street or in their homes should face prison sentences - the Sentencing Advisory Panel proposes today in a wide-ranging consultation paper.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
26 Oct 2006
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
National Justice Awards Finalists Announced
24 Oct 2006
From teddy bears for brave children to fire-fighting training for young offenders, working with young people features highly among the list of finalists for the Justice Awards 2006 announced today.
Victims of crime given a voice in Government
04 Oct 2006
A new panel of experts will advise the Government on how best to meet the needs of victims and witnesses of crime, it was announced today.
Government launches consultation on test for quashing convictions
18 Sep 2006
A consultation paper on how to amend the test used by the Court of Appeal to decide whether a conviction should be quashed was published today by the Government. ‘Quashing convictions - report of a review by the Home Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Attorney General,’ invites views on how the law should be changed to ensure the Court of Appeal does not quash convictions simply because of an error in the trial or pre trial process where there is clear evidence of guilt.
Developing statistics that drive change: Implementing the Root and Branch Review of the Race and Criminal Justice System Statistics
01 Sep 2006
The race and criminal justice system statistics are one of the main sources of information available on BME people's experiences across the criminal justice system; however since they were first published in 1992 they have developed incrementally. This Review is the first systematic examination of their collection, dissemination and use.
Government and Victim Support pilot improved services for victims of crime
03 Aug 2006
Victims of crime are set to benefit from a boost in help and support after Home Office Minister Gerry Sutcliffe announced a £1million package to pilot new and enhanced victims services today.
Home Secretary pledges 8,000 new prison places - putting public protection and the law-abiding majority first
20 Jul 2006
Eight thousand new prison places were announced today as part of a package of measures to protect the public and further rebalance the criminal justice system in favour of the law-abiding majority.
Lord Falconer puts simple, speedy, summary justice at heart of criminal justice shake-up
20 Jul 2006
Simple, speedy and summary justice is at the heart of Government reforms to rebalance the criminal justice system and increase public confidence, Lord Falconer said today.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority accounts for 2004-5 published
12 Jul 2006
Home Office minister Gerry Sutcliffe, Under-Secretary of State for criminal justice and offender management, today published the accounts of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for 2004-05. The text of his written statement to parliament can be seen below. A copy of the accounts can be downloaded from the right hand side of this page.
Government publishes responses to Witness Charter consultation
04 Jul 2006
The Government is today publishing a summary of responses to a public consultation and its proposed way forward for a new Witness Charter. The proposed Witness Charter sets out the standards of service which all non-expert witnesses can expect to receive at every stage of the criminal justice process, from the moment they report a crime or incident, through the investigative stage to attending court and giving evidence and post-trial support.
Tackling Race Hate Crime - Publication of Taskforce Report
21 Jun 2006
A report recommending steps to improve the handling of racist and religious crimes across the Criminal Justice System is being published by the Attorney General today.
Stripped of Cash - The Proceeds of Crime Act Reaps Rewards
15 Jun 2006
Police, customs officers and public agencies seized a record £96 million from criminals last financial year, 2005-2006, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker announced today.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Annual Report
15 Jun 2006
Home Office minister Gerry Sutcliffe, Under-Secretary of State for criminal justice and offender management, today published the annual report and accounts of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for 2003-04. The text of his written statement to parliament can be seen below. A copy of the accounts can be downloaded from the right hand side of this page.
Letter from Home Secretary to SGC on custody plus
31 May 2006
In March this year, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) - an independent body comprising members of the judiciary, police, legal professions and those with substantial experience of promoting the interests of victims - published draft guidelines for the new sentence of 12 months imprisonment or less (known as "custody plus"), which was part of the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
27 Apr 2006
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
Home Secretary responds to draft guideline on allocation
10 Apr 2006
In February this year, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) - an independent body comprising members of the judiciary, police, legal professions and those with substantial experience of promoting the interests of victims - published draft guidelines for the courts dealing with cases which can be tried either in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court about how to decide where the case should be heard.
New rights for victims of crime come into force
03 Apr 2006
Victims of crime now have the legal right to be informed about the progress of their case and information on local support services, thanks to the new Code of Practice for Victims which becomes law today.
Convicting rapists and protecting victims - consultation paper published.
29 Mar 2006
A package of proposals aimed at improving the outcome for victims in rape cases and raising public awareness of the realities of rape are set out in a consultation paper, announced by the Solicitor General, Mike O’Brien today.
Victims' voices get go-ahead: ministers and judiciary agree pilot courts
23 Feb 2006
A ground-breaking way of supporting families of the victim in murder and manslaughter trials starts in five pilot Crown courts from April, including the Old Bailey, which handles a third of all murder and manslaughter trials in England and Wales.
Home Secretary responds to draft sentencing guideline on robbery
17 Feb 2006
Last November, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) – an independent body comprising members of the judiciary, police, legal professions and those with substantial experience of promoting the interests of victims – published draft guidelines for courts dealing with cases where offenders are found guilty of robbery.
Draft Guidelines on Allocation of Cases Published
16 Feb 2006
The Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) has today published draft guidelines for consultation relating to the allocation of cases between magistrates’ and Crown Courts.
Have your say about supporting victims of crime
16 Feb 2006
On 7 December 2005, ‘Rebuilding Lives - supporting victims of crime’, a consultation paper on services for victims was published. The Consultation closes on March 1 2006, so make sure you have your say by sending in your response.
Home Secretary announces 5 year strategy to protect the public and reduce re-offending
09 Feb 2006
A massive increase in the total amount of visible unpaid work carried out by offenders in the community was announced today by the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
26 Jan 2006
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
Commissioner for victims and witnesses
25 Jan 2006
A recruitment campaign to appoint - for the first time - a new Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses was launched today by Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart.
Better communication, better justice - new campaign for Witness Intermediaries
11 Jan 2006
A new recruitment campaign for witness intermediaries will help vulnerable witnesses communicate more complete, more accurate and more coherent evidence in court, leading to better evidence and better justice.
Government launches Consultation on Juries in Wales/ Y Llywodraeth yn lansio ymgynghoriad ar reithgorau yng nghymru
19 Dec 2005
Should it be possible for a jury in Wales to speak Welsh as well as English? That is the question posed following the publication of a consultation paper today titled: The use of bilingual (English and Welsh-speaking) juries in certain criminal trials in Wales.
Government Proposes New Compensation Arrangements and Better Support for Victims of Crime
07 Dec 2005
Victims Minister Fiona Mactaggart today announced proposals for wide-ranging reforms to improve services for victims of crime, including changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Falconer launches drug courts
05 Dec 2005
The next stage in the Government’s drive against drug abuse was given a boost today with the launch of two courts aimed at hitting the scourge of drug induced crime.
Improving Standards for Witnesses
28 Nov 2005
Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart today set out the national standards for services to all prosecution and defence witnesses with the publication of the Witness Charter consultation.
New Sentencing Guidelines Launched on Manslaughter by Reason of Provocation and Robbery
28 Nov 2005
The Sentencing Guidlines Council publish final manslaughter guideline based on degree of provocation and draft Robbery guideline which recommends custodial sentences and takes victims’ rights into account.
A Single Inspectorate for Justice, Community Safety and Custody
21 Nov 2005
The blueprint for a new single inspectorate for justice, community safety and custody has been published by the Home Office, Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Attorney General today.
Top Justice Professionals Honoured at the Justice Awards 2005
03 Nov 2005
Hardworking and innovative people working in the criminal justice system were rewarded today when Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland announced the winners of the Government's second annual Justice Awards.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
27 Oct 2005
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
Recognising Bravery in Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour
26 Oct 2005
The third year of the Taking A Stand Awards which pay tribute to the courage and bravery of local people who have taken a stand against anti-social behaviour were launched by Home Office Minister Hazel Blears today.
Victims’ needs must be a priority for prosecutors
21 Oct 2005
Victims of crime will today for the first time, be able to see the level of service they should expect from prosecutors as their case progresses through the Criminal Justice System.
Harriet Harman Opens First Community Justice Centre
20 Oct 2005
North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, the first of its kind in England and Wales, was officially opened today in its new home in the city, as part of Inside Justice Week 2005.
Publication of the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime - Information, Protection and Support for all Victims
19 Oct 2005
A new code which will give victims statutory rights for the first time was laid before Parliament today by Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart as part of the Government's work to offer better support and advice to victims of crime and their families.
Report on Black and Minority Ethnic people's perceptions of fair treatment by the Criminal Justice System
18 Oct 2005
The Criminal Justice System (CJS) Race Unit today publishes a report detailing views from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people who attended focus groups run by the market research company MORI. The report was compiled from the views of these focus group attendees on questions around perceptions of fair treatment by the CJS. 16 groups across the country from London to Manchester were asked the same questions and these views were brought together by MORI.
More Specialist Courts to Beat Domestic Violence
18 Oct 2005
More courts are to be equipped to specialise in dealing with domestic violence cases, it was announced today. The Government has chosen 25 court areas (including seven existing schemes) to continue the new approach, which has already shown striking results.
Outstanding contributions to criminal justice honoured as Inside Justice Week kicks off
17 Oct 2005
Helping the victims of human trafficking, working with prisoners to record and edit stories for their children and keeping young people out of trouble through Medieval history – this is just some of the work being done by the finalists of the Justice Awards which are announced today to mark the beginning of Inside Justice Week.
Inside Justice Week brings more support for victims of crime
17 Oct 2005
New measures to help victims and witnesses of crime and greater involvement of local communities in the Criminal Justice System are two of the key themes for the second Inside Justice Week, running across England and Wales on 17-23 October.
No place to hide for bail bandits obstructing justice
06 Oct 2005
Defendants who skip bail are being tracked down more effectively and causing less disruption to criminal trials, according to figures published today in the Government’s response to the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) report Facing Justice: Tackling Defendants’ Non-Attendance at court.
Consultation on assaults and other offences against the person
01 Sep 2005
Assaults and other offences against the person are dealt with by the courts every day and there is a large amount of case law but there are no comprehensive guideline judgments. The Sentencing Advisory Panel has today issued another in its series of consultation papers about sentencing in criminal cases.
Crackdown on violent pornography
30 Aug 2005
Home Office Minister Paul Goggins today announced that the Government intends to ban possession of extreme pornographic material, and published a consultation paper inviting views on the proposals.
Home Secretary responds to draft sentencing guideline on manslaughter by reason of provocation
05 Aug 2005
In May this year, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) - an independent body comprising members of the judiciary, police, legal professions and those with substantial experience of promoting the interests of victims - published draft guidelines for judges dealing with cases where offenders are found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, on the basis they were severely provoked.
Communities Receive Cash Boost to Tackle Gun Crime
05 Aug 2005
Communities working to tackle gun and knife crime are to receive a quarter of a million pounds, Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart announced today.
Community Justice arrives in Eccles
28 Jul 2005
The Government announced today that Eccles has been selected as the area that will initially benefit from the Salford Community Justice Initiative (CJI). The CJI, which will begin hearing cases in November 2005, will specifically target "quality of life" crimes and anti-social behaviour in the Eccles, Winton and Barton wards of Salford.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
28 Jul 2005
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today, 28 July.
Police Numbers Reach Record High
26 Jul 2005
Police numbers have reached a record level of more than 141,000, Home Office Minister Paul Goggins announced today. For the first time ever, all groups across the police service - Police Officers, Special Constables, Community Support Officers (CSOs) and Police Staff - have seen an increase in staff numbers.
More efficient justice for victims and witnesses
21 Jul 2005
Victims and witnesses are set to benefit from a more efficient justice system following improvements to the management of criminal cases announced today.
Government Announce Fundamental Review of Murder Law
21 Jul 2005
Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart today unveiled the terms of reference for the first comprehensive review of murder law for more than fifty years.
Justice Awards 2005 Launched Today
04 Jul 2005
The 2005 Justice Awards have now been launched on the CJS online website, where you will be able to nominate an individual or team for this year’s awards, which are to be held at the Institute of Directors in November.
Government limits risks to justice
21 Jun 2005
The Attorney General Lord Goldsmith announced today that the Government will take forward measures for non-jury trials in serious fraud cases later this year.
Criminals Stripped of £84 Million
14 Jun 2005
Criminal assets worth a record £84 million have been recovered during the last year, Home Office Minister Paul Goggins announced today. The record figure for the year 2004-2005, compared with £54.5 million recovered the previous year, is the result of new powers introduced by the Government in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Protecting Our Communities: Violent Crime Reduction Bill Published.
08 Jun 2005
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced a comprehensive package of measures today to combat violent crime. The Violent Crime Reduction Bill will ensure that police and local communities have the necessary powers to reduce violent crimes involving imitation guns, knives and alcohol in their neighbourhood.
Quarterly performance figures for Local Criminal Justice Boards published
26 May 2005
The latest quarterly regional performance figures for the Criminal Justice System are published today.
New draft Sentencing Guidelines on ‘manslaughter by reason of provocation’ published
09 May 2005
The Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) - an independent body comprising members of the judiciary, police, legal professions and those with substantial experience of promoting the interests of victims - has published draft guidelines for judges dealing with cases where offenders are found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, on the basis they were severely provoked.
Her Majesty's Courts Service begins today
01 Apr 2005
More offenders will be brought to justice, victims and witnesses will have better facilities for giving evidence and enforcement of court orders will be even tougher under Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS) which begins operating today.
Local Criminal Justice Boards celebrate two years of improved justice performance
01 Apr 2005
More offences brought to justice, better support for victims and witnesses and a more efficient justice process - Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs) are today celebrating their achievements on their second birthday.
Bail bandits brought to book as Attorney General hails Operation Turn-up success
23 Mar 2005
Valentine’s cards, Christmas cards, newspaper name and shame campaigns - these are just a few of the methods that have been used in a successful crackdown on bail bandits running since the New Year.
Inspection Reform - Establishing an Inspectorate for Justice and Community Safety
23 Mar 2005
The proposals outlined in this consultation document 'Inspection Reform: Establishing an Inspectorate for Justice and Community Safety' will achieve a stronger inspectorate for the criminal justice system that focuses on assuring the public, driving improvements in services, whilst reducing the burden on the front line by adopting a risk based approach.
Protecting children and vulnerable adults - a new offence of familial homicide
21 Mar 2005
A new offence of causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult has come into force.
No place to hide from court penalties with National Enforcement Service
15 Mar 2005
Fine dodgers, bail bandits and those who think they can ignore the order of the court will be brought to book by a specialist team of enforcement officers, in a new National Enforcement Service Lord Falconer said today.
Prevention of Terrorism Bill Receives Royal Assent
14 Mar 2005
The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 received Royal Assent on Friday. The Act introduces a system of control orders designed to disrupt and prevent terrorist activity.
New Centre Will Speed Up Justice
10 Mar 2005
The country's first justice centre offering access to criminal and civil justice services under one roof was today officially opened in Nuneaton by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Recommendations For Deportation Consultation
08 Mar 2005
The Sentencing Advisory Panel has today issued another in its series of consultation papers about sentencing in criminal cases.
Consultation on Victims Code of Practice launched
07 Mar 2005
The Office for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR) have published a consultation on the Victims’ Code of Practice - a document which will give victims of crime statutory rights for the first time.
New Report on Young Black Men as Victims of Crime
23 Feb 2005
The Criminal Justice System Race Unit and Victims and Confidence Unit have published a report of research into the experiences of young Black Men as victims of crime. The report found scope for making services for victims of crime more accessible to young Black men and makes recommendations to organisations both inside and outside the CJS as to how to achieve this.
Crown Court Ineffective Trials fall by a third
26 Jan 2005
Ineffective trials in the Crown Court have fallen by a third, according to statistics published today by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform. An ineffective trial is when a hearing or trial is postponed on the day it was due to go ahead.
National Blitz On Defendants Skipping Bail
17 Jan 2005
Defendants who skip bail are to face a crackdown. “Operation Turn-up” will take place as a series of local blitzes targeting those who fail to appear at court. Police officers will appear at defendants’ homes, work places, or wherever they may be, and bring them back to court to face justice.
Police Crackdown On Class A Drug Dealers
12 Jan 2005
Local class A drug markets across the country are to be targeted in a three-month co-ordinated police campaign called 'Operation Crackdown'.
New Guidelines Announced to Deliver Consistency and Clarity in Criminal Sentencing
16 Dec 2004
The Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) has today published the final versions of its first guidelines for Judges and Magistrates, designed to promote consistent and effective sentencing across the Criminal Justice System.
Evidence of Bad Character to be Disclosed to Juries
15 Dec 2004
From today, evidence of a defendant’s previous convictions and other misconduct will be admissible in criminal trials provided it is relevant, will throw new light on the case, and is not likely to make the trial unfair. This reverses the current position, where evidence of a defendant’s bad character is generally not admitted in criminal proceedings.
Witness Care Project Improves Witness Attendance At Court
13 Dec 2004
Specialist witness care units improved witness attendance at court by nearly 20 percent in five criminal justice areas according to an independent evaluation report into the pilot phase of ‘No Witness No Justice’, a joint Crown Prosecution Service and police project.
Tackling Crime and Vandalism: Home Secretary Outlines Government Plans
07 Dec 2004
Detailed proposals to establish the Serious Organised Crime Agency and additional new measures to tackle crime, including dealing with child vandals, underage drinking and uninsured drivers were set out today by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, as the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill received its second reading in the House of Commons.
Lord Falconer signals better court facilities for victims and witnesses
06 Dec 2004
A better deal for victims and witnesses, with more specialist facilities in courts, was announced today by Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer.
Ministers Crack Down On Criminals on State Benefits
02 Dec 2004
Criminals on Jobseekers’ Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit who refuse to pay court fines for offences such as theft, vandalism and handling stolen goods face a tougher penalty from next month.
Giving Child Witnesses The Support They Need
01 Dec 2004
The Government today launched a review of how children give evidence in court proceedings, in order to ensure that child witnesses are able to give their best evidence and receive the support they need. The review will seek the views of Criminal Justice partners, academics and voluntary organisations on how the special measures for child witnesses work in practice and whether any improvements can be made to help child witnesses.
Home Office Launch Community Sentences Campaign
30 Nov 2004
There is a lot of misunderstanding about community sentences - from the general public and from practitioners. There is a common misconception amongst the public that prison is the only effective way to manage offenders, but research shows that community sentences can provide a successful route out of criminal activity.
North Liverpool Residents Support New Community Justice Initiative
29 Nov 2004
Local residents are voicing their support for North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, a radical new initiative designed to improve quality of life in the area by reducing criminal activity and the fear of crime, while providing advice and support to the community.
Victims Fund: Provision for Victims of Sexual Offending
24 Nov 2004
The Home Office is placing £4 million over two years, recovered from the proceeds of crime, into the new Victims Fund to support the development of community-based services for victims of sexual offending.
Crime and security top Government Agenda in The Queen's Speech
23 Nov 2004
Her Majesty The Queen has outlined the Government's legislative programme for the coming year. Key measures to reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and combat re-offending featured in a total of 37 bills and draft bills.
Should court proceedings be broadcast? Online discussion forum launched
22 Nov 2004
On 15 November 2004 the Department for Constitutional Affairs launched a consultation paper on the subject of broadcasting court proceedings.
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill Receives Royal Assent
15 Nov 2004
Protection and support for victims of crime was greatly strengthened today as the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill received Royal Assent. The Act is the biggest overhaul of domestic violence legislation for thirty years and heralds tough new powers for the police and the courts to tackle offenders, while ensuring victims get the support and protection they need.
Feature: National crackdown on fine defaulters already yielding results.
12 Nov 2004
A nation-wide crackdown on fine dodgers has begun. It was launched by a national advertising campaign, and in regions up and down the country the message (Think You’ll Get Away With It? Think Again) is already getting through.
Local Criminal Justice Boards join-up to address race issues in the CJS
12 Nov 2004
The first meeting of the Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) National Race Forum took place yesterday, 11 November 2004. The aim of the Forum is to share and disseminate good practice across LCJB areas and bring consistency across the system on race issues.
Punishment for murder should reflect the crime says Home Secretary
08 Nov 2004
Home Secretary David Blunkett today re-stated his commitment to upholding new principles for setting murder tariffs - ensuring those convicted of murder receive a punishment that reflects the unique nature and seriousness of the crime.
£15 Million to drive down crime
02 Nov 2004
A hi-tech vehicle number plate scanning system that has seen police arrest rates soar and millions of pounds worth of stolen goods recovered is to receive a £15 million boost, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced today.
Local Criminal Justice Boards continue to make progress against key government targets
27 Oct 2004
The Criminal Justice System continues to get better at delivering justice according to the latest quarterly statistics published today. Local performance figures for each of the 42 Local Criminal Justice Boards on delivery against key Government criminal justice targets are published today for Quarter 1 2004/5. They cover performance up to June 2004 and the majority of local boards have shown improvements since the previous quarter.
Justice Awards winners announced
26 Oct 2004
The winners of the first Justice Awards have been announced and will receive their awards during a ceremony at 10 Downing Street today. The event will be compered by Crimewatch UK’s Nick Ross and hosted by the Prime Minister and Baroness Scotland, the Home Office Minister for the Criminal Justice System.
Judge Named To Take Forward Ground-Breaking Community Justice Centre
18 Oct 2004
The judge who will lead a pioneering community justice centre in Liverpool has been named today as David Fletcher. North Liverpool Community Justice Centre (CJC) is the first of its kind in England and Wales, and will aim to bring justice closer to the community.
Baroness Scotland visits National Reassurance Policing Project in Birmingham
15 Oct 2004
Baroness Scotland, Minister of State for the Criminal Justice System and Law Reform arrived in Birmingham today on a visit to West Midlands Police.
Video Links In Youth Courts To Protect Child Witnesses
14 Oct 2004
Leicester link first to be located outside a court
Inside Justice Week - opens the Criminal Justice System to the public
11 Oct 2004
Mock trials, court open days and ‘Justice Roadshows’ - these are just some of the events being organised for members of the public during a week long event aimed at opening up the Criminal Justice System (CJS).
Excellence in Delivering Justice
11 Oct 2004
Have you ever wondered about the work of the people working behind the scenes in the Criminal Justice System? The finalists of the 2004 Justice Awards have been announced and offer a fascinating snapshot of the wide variety of dedicated work which goes on.
Victims and Witnesses benefit from new model of care
11 Oct 2004
Coming forward to be a witness in court can be a daunting experience. The process may seem intimidating; the time commitment required hard to balance with a busy daily life. But the end result can be hugely rewarding.
New Criminal Justice System website launched
11 Oct 2004
With your help the CJS Online website has undergone a major overhaul. This is part of a commitment by the Criminal Justice System to improving the services and information available to the public.
Nowhere To Hide: Magistrates Get Access To Database To Track Down Offenders
05 Oct 2004
Magistrates across England and Wales will soon have unprecedented access to a database to help them track down hard-to-find offenders who have defaulted on court penalties.