Chapter 7 Key facts checklists

The Criminal Justice System

The criminal justice system (CJS) is built upon procedural, evidential, and substantive foundations. These foundations dictate its direction and progression.
The criminal procedure is methodical and is largely codified in procedural rules.
A case will always begin with an investigation by the police or some other investigatory body. An individual may then be charged with an offence where he/she is provided with the option of pleading guilty or not guilty. Trial may follow.
Where the defendant’s case will be tried depends on the type of offence in question and, in some cases, the decision of the defendant.
The criminal courts have wide-ranging powers of sentencing, which can be adapted to suit the intricacies of the particular offence.
A convicted person may appeal against either conviction or sentence, for which the defendant will be required to prove why they either should not have been convicted or why their sentence should be reduced.