Experiences of Criminal Justice: Perspectives From Wales on a System in Crisis

Austerity has had a significant impact on the criminal justice process in England and Wales, with police numbers down, the Crown Prosecution Service in disarray, legal aid reduced, courts closing, and magistrates leaving. This book offers a rare insight into South Wales and uncovers how individuals navigate the challenges caused by austerity, what has changed, and what can be done to improve the system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Austerity continues to exert a significant impact on the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Notably, police numbers have declined, leading to concerns about public safety. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) faces operational challenges, which have resulted in delays and reduced case resolutions. Legal aid has been cut, making it harder for individuals to access justice. Courts are closing, and magistrates are leaving, resulting in backlogs and longer waiting times for cases to be heard. While research into the criminal process primarily focuses on England, this book offers a unique perspective by delving into the experiences of individuals in South Wales. Through firsthand accounts from lawyers, police officers, suspects, convicted individuals, and their families, the book sheds light on the challenges posed by austerity and the changes it has brought to the criminal justice system. It explores the strategies employed by these affected individuals to navigate the complexities and seeks to identify potential solutions to improve the system. This book serves as a reliable and evocative account of the realities of criminal justice in Wales, providing valuable insights into the experiences and struggles of those involved in the criminal justice process.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529214239