05 November 2007
The public will get a unique glimpse into the Criminal Justice System in this year's 'Inside Justice Week', 3 - 10 November.
Events are taking place across England and Wales offering a rare look behind the scenes. Local criminal justice boards and CJS agencies, like the Courts Service, Police and Crown Prosecution Service, will host mock trials, court open days, justice 'road shows' and careers fairs in a week of activity geared to increasing people's knowledge of and participation in the CJS.
The aim of this year's Inside Justice Week is to open up the justice system to the public in order to:
- increase people's knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System
- encourage people to get involved by publicising the range of career and volunteering opportunities available in the Criminal Justice System
- inform people about the support available should they come into contact with the justice system, either as a victim or witness.
The three main target audiences for this year's campaign are women aged 35 54, older people aged 55 - 75 and black minority ethnic (BME) communities. Within schools, over 2,500 teachers of drama and citizenship have signed up for a range of teaching resources to bring the CJS to life in classrooms around the country.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw said:
"Inside Justice Week is now in its fourth year and during that time we have been able to open up the Criminal Justice System and show how justice is done.
"Many who come into contact with the CJS do so unwillingly, for example, as a victim of crime. By opening up the system with events such as police open days and mock trials in courts, we can help people to understand its inner workings showing how agencies and volunteers within it work together to make the system better.
"Ultimately we want to explain why it matters and encourage individuals and communities to engage with the CJS to help us deliver justice."