This is an authoritative account of the criminal justice system in England and Wales that engages with the central issues common to any major criminal justice system.
Compiling the thoughts and opinions of leading figures in this field of law, this volume provides comprehensive coverage of all the key areas of the system presenting a sequential account from investigation through to final appeal. The authors aim to present the English legal system as an example of one way of attempting to deal with problems involved in the administration of criminal justice, highlighting the general problems as well as the current English response and including the points at which decisions have to be made and the reasons behind them.
Taken together, the chapters provide a description of a dynamic and developing criminal justice system at work - comparing the mechanics of the system in theory and practice, the problems it faces and possible solutions, the values it reflects and the goals it pursues.