17 October 2008
Inside Justice Week will be launched tomorrow (18 October 2008) with a themed week of events that aim to give everyone the chance to take a look behind the scenes of the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
The theme of this year's campaign is 'Justice for All' and members of the public will have the chance to find out exactly how justice is done in our police stations, courts and prisons.
Last year 135 events took place during Inside Justice Week, including court open days, mock trials, police station tours and school visits.
This year new several new initiatives are being announced that will provide vulnerable victims and witnesses with advice and support.
On Monday, six new specialist domestic violence courts will be announced in the North East, North West, Midlands, South East and Wales.
Tuesday will see staff and volunteers across the criminal justice system given the recognition they deserve through the Justice Awards, with opening remarks by Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw.
On Thursday, law students will be able to take part in a mentoring scheme at the Ministry of Justice headquarters, 'Barriers into Law', which aims to tackle the barriers to entering the legal profession. Bridget Prentice will be visiting Liverpool Magistrates' Court to examine the success of 'simple, speedy, summary' criminal justice, a scheme which has overcome some of the delays and inefficiencies in criminal cases in magistrates' courts.
Friday is 'Equality in Justice Day', which will be marked by an event at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Justice Minister Bridget Prentice, Permanent Secretary Sir Suma Chakrabarti and the Lord Chief Justice will all speak at the event, as well as other representatives from the legal profession, and the event will include stands, tours of the building and mock trials. A mock trial will also be taking place at Reedley Youth Court in Burnley, Lancashire, where primary schoolchildren will learn every step of the criminal justice process, from how you are treated from the minute you report the crime to what happens when it comes to making an appearance in court.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw said:
'All of us rely on the criminal justice service to come to our aid if a crime happens, and to deal firmly with offenders. Whether it is giving high standards of support to victims and witnesses, or making sure offenders repay their debt to society through community payback or prison, Inside Justice Week lets you find out about some of the dedicated work the criminal justice service does. The service is there for all of us, this is your chance to ask questions and find out what it can do for you.'
Further details of events during the week are available from the Inside Justice Week website.