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The Legal System: People and Institutions (Prisons (Prisoners are punished…
The Legal System: People and Institutions
Politicians
Parliaments are the main law making institutions
It can make new laws and change existing ones
These laws are binding on all courts and judges
Parliament responds to pressures (petitions) or change existing laws
Police
Police do not make the laws, but can only enforce them
They prevent and investigate crimes and protect peoples lives and property
Police assist in the prosecution of suspected offenders
There are rules that outline police powers and how they do their job
The police are able to arrest the suspect and keep them locked up. They gather details about the situation and the person but do not have the authority to decide whether or not they are guilty
Prisons
Prisoners are punished by court
Prison staff manage the prison
Prisons hold people convicted of a crime
All offenders must be given the opportunity of rehabilitation
Imprisonment, which leads to loss of freedom is the most harsh form of punishment that could be imposed.
The length of time a person stays in prison depends upon how bad the crime was.
Legal advisers
Lawyers provide legal advice and assistance
They represent their clients and conduct cases at a court hearing
Their duty is to argue a case in the best interests of their clients
Courts
Settle disputes according to strict rules of evidence and procedure
Judges have the ability to create the law through decisions they make when hearing a case: an act of precedent
Most courts are open courts where people can come in and listen. Some court cases are more extreme and serious that the public is not able to attend - yet the press is allowed
Court officials are responsible for the administration of the court and the efficient running of a case