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The legal system: people and institutions (politicians (parliaments are…
The legal system: people and institutions
politicians
parliaments are the main law-making institutions
can make new laws and change existing ones
these laws are binding on all courts and judges
parliament responds to pressures (lobbying, petitions, demonstrations etc.) to make new laws or change existing laws
police
do not make the laws; they only enforce the laws
they also prevent and investigate crime, protect life and property, and maintain peace and order
assist in the prosecution of suspected offenders
there are rules that outline police powers and how they do their job
courts
settle disputes according to strict rules of evidence and procedure
court officials are responsible for the administration of the court and the efficient running of a case
judges have the ability to create law through the decisions they make when hearing a case: an act of precedent
most courts are open courts; people may enter and listen to the case
prisons
prisons hold people convicted of a crime
prison staff manage the prison
all offenders must be given the opportunity of rehabilitation
imprisonment - loss of freedom - is the harshest form of punishment that can be imposed
legal advisors
lawyers (solicitors and barristers) provide legal advice and assistance
represent their clients and conduct their cases at a court hearing, this is their advocacy role
their duty is to argue a case in the best interests of their clients