This report examines the purpose, structure and working of the criminal courts in the criminal justice system. In particular it considers: re-structuring and improving the composition of the criminal courts and the better matching of courts to cases; introducing a new structure for direction and better management of the criminal justice system; removing work from the criminal process that should not be there; improving preparation for trial and trial procedures and reform of the law of criminal evidence; simplification of the appellate structure. In proposing change attention is paid to the law of human rights and the potential of information technology to re-shape practices. However a central concern is the need to enhance public confidence in the whole system.

In the last decades of the 20th century, Wales has experienced a process of social upheaval. Some of the changes, notably the increasing participation in higher education and the establishment of the National Assembly, have positive implications. Others, such as the crisis in agriculture and the problems of the south Wales valleys, are a cause for grave concern. These essays address a kaleidoscope of themes, such as education, language, the arts and media, race, poverty, homelessness, health, child welfare, crime, the position of women and the rural dimension. The volume as a whole provides an assessment of the political, cultural, economic and social state of Wales.

This report contains key statistics and commentary regarding criminal offences recorded by police forces in England and Wales during 2003, although data for recorded crime, clear-up rates and arrests relates to the year 2003-04. Chapters cover: offenders cautioned or found guilty, court proceedings, use of police bail and court remand, offences brought to justice, procedures within the criminal justice system, coverage and recording practice. Findings include that during 2003-04: there were 5.9 million offences recorded by the police, a rise of one per cent compared to the previous year; violent crime increased by 12 per cent on the previous year; and there were just under 1.4 million detected crimes, an increase of 0.5 per cent on the previous year.

Focusing on the period from 1660 to 1730, this book is based on a detailed study of the court records of the county of Denbighshire in north-east Wales.