Describes the post 2007 UK systems of justice and law enforcement. This work also assesses the type and impact of key institutional changes. Concerning fundamental changes to Constitutional arrangements in the UK, it outlines the Ministry of Justice created by the UK Government in May 2007.

Foreword, Preface and ChartThe Ministry of Justice: An OverviewThe Judiciary, Courts and TribunalsPrisons, Probation and ParoleOmbudsmen, Inspectors and MonitorsLaw-Making and Legal ServicesConstitutional Affairs and Human RightsSentencing Policy and GuidelinesMiscellaneous ResponsibilitiesThe Secretary of State and Lord ChancellorInto a Fresh Era

'This book can be of value to us who work in within the criminal justice system (as a way of just getting off the bewilderingly speedy roundabout for a minute or two) and to those members of the public who would like to have a modicum of understanding as to what exactly is happening in the world of cirminal justice at the moment... The chief aim of this book... is to provide a basic, accessible and hopefully constructive account that will be of interest to newcomers, students and general readers as well as to those seasoned practitioners or researchers seeking a useful overview. In the view of this reviewer those aims are more than satisfactorily met': The Justices' Clerk'Will set a standard of solidity and credibility... enthusiasm is kept within bounds and visionary schemes dealt with in measured terms': Justice of the Peace 'Gibson is to be applauded for having produced the first word on these new departments': Jamie Bennett, HMPS, Prison Service Journal'Bryan Gibson is well placed to explain the new system to us, having been associated with the criminal justice system for some considerable time... This is a book that should be read by everybody involved in the Criminal Justice System.'Rob Jerrard, Internet Law Book Reviews. 'Will prove invaluable for anyone trying to get their head around the 21st century new world of criminal justice.'Thames View.'It is now possible to study both new departments following the commendable speed with which Waterside Press have published these two informative books... There is no sign of haste in the writing of the books which cover in exemplary detail the functions of both new bodies...These two books contain a wealth of material, including historical and current political background, useful appendices and facts about the new departments and their wide-ranging functions which will be appreciated by all involved in the numerous agencies of the criminal justice system. Judges, magistrates, police and prison officers, those involved with probation and social services, court clerks and others who read these books will gain valuable insights into the purposes, powers and day to day functioning of these new bodies and how they will affect both their work and the lives of citizens of the United Kingdom... Bryan Gibson and Waterside Press are to be congratulated on producing these stimulating books so soon after such a fundamental change was effected.'John Hostettler (Sept 2007)