Deck 16: Drugs, Alcohol, Health and Crime

Question 1

To many observers, the independence of Crown prosecutors is the key to effective control of police discretion. In practice, however, typically fewer than one in ten cases sent to the CPS by the police are discontinued (Home Office, 2002a)

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Why was the CPS introduced?

Answer 2

The CPS, or Child Protective Services, was introduced as a governmental agency or department in many countries with the primary purpose of protecting children from abuse and neglect. The reasons for its introduction are multifaceted and include:

1. **Child Welfare Concerns**: There was a growing recognition that children are vulnerable members of society who need special protection. Reports of child abuse and neglect were increasing, and there was a clear need for a dedicated agency to address these issues.

2. **Legal Mandates**: In many jurisdictions, laws were passed mandating the reporting of child abuse and neglect. These laws required a system to be in place to respond to such reports, investigate allegations, and take appropriate action to safeguard children.

3. **Social Services Integration**: CPS was introduced to integrate various social services that support children and families, including foster care, adoption services, and family preservation efforts. This integration aimed to provide a more cohesive and effective response to the needs of children at risk.

4. **Prevention and Education**: Beyond intervention in individual cases, CPS was also tasked with developing programs to prevent abuse and neglect from occurring in the first place. This includes public education campaigns and support programs for at-risk families.

5. **Advocacy for Children's Rights**: The introduction of CPS was also a response to the growing movement advocating for children's rights. This movement emphasized that children have the right to be safe and to be provided with the necessary care and support to thrive.

6. **Systematic Approach**: Prior to the establishment of CPS, responses to child abuse and neglect were often ad hoc and lacked a systematic approach. CPS was introduced to provide a structured and professional response to these issues.

7. **Research and Best Practices**: As research into child development and the impact of abuse and neglect on children advanced, it became clear that specialized services were needed to address these complex issues. CPS was designed to incorporate best practices and evidence-based approaches to child welfare.

8. **International Conventions**: The ratification of international conventions, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), obligated countries to establish measures to protect children from harm, which included the creation of agencies like CPS.

In summary, the CPS was introduced as a response to the need for a dedicated agency to protect children from harm, to ensure their well-being, and to uphold their rights. It represents a societal commitment to intervene and provide support in situations where children are at risk of or have experienced abuse or neglect.

Question 3

Is a jury system essential to a fair trial?

Answer 3

No Answer

Question 4

The cases of which of these are among the most publicized examples of miscarriages of justice in the UK?

A)Guildford Four
B)Famous Five
C)Birmingham Six
D)Maguire Seven
E)Manchester Eight

Question 5

Greer (1994) suggests that a wrongful conviction can result from what reasons?

A)police malpractice or error
B)because the prosecution withholds evidence
C)from a biased jury
D)from faulty forensic evidence
E)the trial judge is biased

Question 6

In principle, the CPS as a public prosecution service exists to provide which of the following?

A)effective scrutiny of cases
B)consistency in decision-making
C)more effective prosecutions
D)to alter out weak prosecution cases from the criminal justice process
E)increased prosecutions

Question 7

According to British Crime Survey figures, in 2010/11 what per cent of all offences were reported and recorded by the police?

A)0.21
B)0.31
C)0.41
D)0.51
E)0.61

Question 8

The vast majority (around 75 per cent) of criminal cases are, nonetheless, dealt with entirely in magistrates´ courts. The remaining cases are passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (to decide on the sentence)

Question 9

Why do miscarriages of justice happen?