Inside Crown Court book released in paperback
ICPR book explores arena in which the UK’s most serious criminal offences are dealt with
A Birkbeck-authored book that examines the Crown Court – the arena in which the UK’s most serious criminal offences are tried and sentenced – has been released in paperback.
Inside Crown Court – Personal experiences and questions of legitimacy, has been written and released by team members of the Institute for Criminal Policy Research (ICPR). Originally published in 2015 in hardback, the book lays out research findings from the ICPR which reveal that appearing in the Crown Court – as a victim, witness or defendant – is often frightening, frustrating and upsetting for participants.
The book provides a vivid description of what it is like to attend Crown Court, be it as a victim, defendant, witness, member of staff, judge or barrister. It outlines the interplay between the various participants and the extent to which the court process is viewed as legitimate by those involved in it. It also shows how bewildering court proceedings can be and describes their character of ‘structured mayhem’.
Additionally, the book discusses how the trial process constructs a version of the ‘truth’ of events that often bears little resemblance to what was actually experienced by any of the individuals involved.
Dr Jessica Jacobson, director of the ICPR and lead author of Inside Crown Court, said: “Our book describes the realities of the courtroom experience. It addresses issues that are of profound public concern, such as the trauma faced by some victims when giving evidence, as highlighted by recent high profile trials concerning alleged sexual offences. Importantly, this study also helps show ways in which the difficulties and stresses associated with appearing in court are eased, and points to what further efforts can be made done to enhance support for court users.”
Inside Crown Court is now available in paperback from Policy Press. The edition contains a new Foreword from Professor David Ormerod QC, Law Commissioner for Criminal Law.
The book is the basis of “Structured Mayhem: Personal experiences of the Crown Court” – A Criminal Justice Alliance briefing.
What the critics said
“This is an important book for those interested in applying theories of legitimacy and compliance to the real world of criminal justice. It is an even more important book for criminal lawyers and for judges, and all those wanting to ‘improve’ the Crown Court process.”
Nicola Padfield, Criminal Law Review
“It is a marvellous insight for those who are willing to face up to what others think of them. The blunt and genuine views of bruised witnesses and less-than-engaged defendants can make for difficult reading.”
David Wurtzel, Counsel Magazine
Find out more
- The Institute for Criminal Policy Research (ICPR)
- Inside Crown Court (Policy Press)