This website shows users what one can expect to happen to a criminal defendant in the justice system of England and Wales, from the time one is charged (including the police investigation), to making a plea at a magistrates court, going to trial and being sentenced if one admits or are found guilty of the offence. This site is maintained by the British government and presents the image that all the agencies of its criminal justice system are committed to providing a fair and effective service to all communities, with no discrimination.
Type of Material:
simulation
Recommended Uses:
In class, Lecture, Homework
Technical Requirements:
Macromedia Flash Player 6, screen resolution of 800 x 600, Java enabled browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Describe the stages and sequence of the criminal justice process in England and Wales.
Explain the roles of key decision makers in the criminal justice process in England and Wales.
Discuss the responsibilities of defendants in the criminal justice process in England and Wales.
Answer the most frequently asked questions about defendants in that system
Target Student Population:
Criminal justice students at a freshman or undergraduate level
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is professionally developed with clear photos and sound bites from every stage of the process.
The walkthrough provides a thorough and accurate description of the CJS. There is a link to an FAQ page.
Concerns:
The site is government created/supported and is not grounded in scholarship.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This site is very user friendly and interactive. The voiceover sound is clear, and the user can easily move back and forth through the slides at will. There are many points where students can click on help for additional information. There are points throughout where you can click to print the information. There is a link to an FAQ page. The site includes a glossary.
Concerns:
It isnt intended to be used by students. Its intended use is to help potential defendants understand what will happen to them as theyre processed through the system. It would be difficult to write an assignment for this module.
The site manager assumes the user is familiar with British legal terms used to refer to the actors in the process, such as crown, solicitor and magistrate.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
There are both audio and visual components. The site is extremely user-friendly and it is very easy to navigate through the walkthrough. There are points throughout where you can click to print the information. Each stage of the process is separate and distinct.
This site provides an excellent balance of clarity and efficient use of space. The slides d voiceover narration are paced appropriately for the average reader, and there is an option for slowing down or repeating slides if desired.
Concerns:
The walkthrough is a bit tedious. It would be much more visually interesting to have included video rather than still pictures. The site doesnt immediately recognize that you have Macromedia Flash 6 installed in your computer. There is a link you can click on to bypass the system however, so you can get in. This may confuse/discourage students at the outset.
Creative Commons:
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