p. 55220. Criminal justice principles
- Steve Case, Steve CaseProfessor of Criminology, University of Loughborough
- Phil Johnson, Phil JohnsonCriminology Lecturer and Academic Subject Leader, University Centre at Blackburn College
- David Manlow, David ManlowPrincipal Lecturer in Criminology
- Roger SmithRoger SmithProfessor of Social Work, Durham University
- and Kate WilliamsKate WilliamsSenior Lecturer in Criminology, Aberystwyth University
Abstract
This chapter examines the source and changing nature of the fundamental principles of criminal justice. It begins by considering a process of change for criminal justice featuring four factors labelled as ‘game changers’ — principles, policies, practices, and people — with a particular focus on principles. It then discusses the importance of the rule of law doctrine and some of its key features, including parliamentary sovereignty, separation of powers, an independent judiciary, due process, and human rights. It also explores the essential features of an adversarial justice system and the restorative justice principle and concludes with an assessment of the roles of the police, the courts, and the Crown Prosecution Service in the criminal justice system.
