Review of the Criminal Courts of England and Wales: ReportThis report examines the purpose, structure and working of the criminal courts in the criminal justice system. In particular it considers: re-structuring and improving the composition of the criminal courts and the better matching of courts to cases; introducing a new structure for direction and better management of the criminal justice system; removing work from the criminal process that should not be there; improving preparation for trial and trial procedures and reform of the law of criminal evidence; simplification of the appellate structure. In proposing change attention is paid to the law of human rights and the potential of information technology to re-shape practices. However a central concern is the need to enhance public confidence in the whole system. |
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administration agencies allocation and/or appropriate areas assessment bail Bench Circuit Judges civil clerk complex consider consideration consultation conviction court centres Court of Appeal Court Service Courts Committees crime Criminal Justice Board criminal justice system Crown Court Crown Division Crown Prosecution Service custody decision defendant defendant's directions disclosure District Division District Judges efficient either-way enable England and Wales evidence exercise expert High Court Judges Home Office indicated information technology involved issues judge and jury Judicial Studies Board judiciary Juries Act 1974 jurisdiction jury research jury service jury trial Lord Chancellor Lord Chancellor's Department magistracy matters MCCs mode of trial offences paras parties police practice present Presiding Judges proceedings professional proposals prosecutor reasons reform Report responsibility Review role rules Runciman Royal Commission sentence sitting statutory summary trial by judge tribunal unified Criminal Court verdict victims witness