Unlike civil cases, which involve disputes between people or organizations, criminal cases allege that someone violated a law. Most of the time, criminal cases end up with a plea deal. But sometimes a case goes to trial. The jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not. In a criminal case, the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. This is very high and helps to ensure that innocent people are not found guilty.
Corston Review – In 2007, Baroness (Jean) Corston’s seminal review of vulnerable women in the criminal justice system described the need for a ‘gender-sensitive’ approach. Ministry of Justice – The government body responsible for courts, prisons and probation. Also known as the Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor.
Court of Appeal – The second tier of the hierarchy of courts in England and Wales, subordinate to the Supreme Court. The Criminal Division is led by the Lady (or Lord) Chief Justice. Magistrates – A non-senior member of the judiciary, appointed by the Lady or Lord Chief Justice to hear cases at the lowest level of criminal courts in England and Wales. Magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace, make up around 85 per cent of criminal judges and hear over 90 per cent of all criminal cases.
Background feature – An in-depth piece that explores a particular area of crime. For example, you might want to produce a story about the murder of a lonely elderly widow, interviewing family members, social workers and neighbours in order to understand why she died, and how it might have been prevented.