The Welsh Criminal Justice System: On the Jagged Edge

The Welsh criminal justice system is unique due to its devolved government and parliament, but the writ of England and Wales criminal justice institutions continues to run. This book provides the first academic account of this system, demonstrating that Wales has some of the worst criminal justice outcomes in western Europe and that the current constitutional underpinnings make it difficult to address these problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: University of Wales Press

The Welsh criminal justice system stands out as unique within the United Kingdom. While Wales enjoys its own devolved government and parliament, it lacks a distinct justice system akin to those in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Instead, the writ of England and Wales continues to govern criminal justice institutions in Wales. However, the significant responsibilities vested in Welsh devolved institutions ensure that they play a vital role in the criminal justice system. Consequently, the Welsh criminal justice system operates on a delicate balance of devolved and reserved powers and responsibilities. This book offers the first comprehensive academic exploration of this system. It uncovers not only that Wales experiences some of the poorest criminal justice outcomes in Western Europe, but also that even if there was a sincere desire to address these issues, the current constitutional framework of the Welsh criminal justice system would render such efforts nearly impossible. Drawing upon official data and in-depth interviews, this book presents a timely and challenging account that is essential reading for anyone interested in Welsh politics and society.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786839435