Justice is more than just criminal justice

• ISBN: 978-1-911114-02-4

• Published: 2016

• Pages: 49

• Publisher: The Howard League for Penal Reform

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Justice is more than criminal justice

A pamphlet for the Howard League for Penal Reform by Cormac Behan, Jennifer Sloan, Christopher Bennett, Joanna Shapland and Stephen Farrall

This research, undertaken by the University of Sheffield, seeks to provide a snapshot of how people relate to the state and participate in deliberations about justice and safety. In particular it looked at issues of confidence, trust and legitimacy; justice; and the role that the public wanted in decisions related to the criminal justice system. Overall the research shows a high level of trust in criminal justice institutions including the police, magistrates and judiciary but notably, not Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). Most identified a clear value in lay involvement in these areas but maintained that there was a clear role for professionals. Fears were voiced that greater public engagement in decision making may affect the delivery of justice while equally acknowledging the potential benefits of local engagement and participation enabling local solutions.