This book is a popular and comprehensive introductory-level guide to the agencies of the criminal justice system. It provides basic information about the various agencies, their legal reponsibilities and duties, and the social and political context in which they operate. The book outlines the basics of English criminal law and defines crime and the responses to it. Areas covered include: the police, the probation service, prisons, the magistrates courts, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Crown Court. Covered within these areas are: the structure of Criminal Appeals, The Criminal Cases Review Commission, the prison ombudsman, the parole board and the role of the Home Office.