When someone gets involved in a criminal investigation—whether as a... Show more
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14 Dec 2025
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Understanding Individual Rights During Criminal Investigations
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Rights of Suspects in Criminal Investigations
Ever wondered what happens when police arrest someone? Section 24 of PACE gives police the power to arrest without a warrant, but they must tell you why you're being arrested and that you don't have to say anything (though what you do say can be used as evidence).
The system tries to balance quick police action with protecting individual rights. Whilst this flexibility helps police respond to immediate dangers, it also means officers have quite a bit of discretion in deciding whether to arrest someone—which could potentially lead to unfair treatment.
Section 58 of PACE guarantees your right to speak with a solicitor privately at any point during the process. Police must inform you of this right and help you access it. This protection reduces the risk of false confessions and ensures you understand your legal position, though some suspects might misuse this right to delay investigations.
Remember: The right to silence isn't absolute anymore—if you stay quiet during questioning but later present evidence in your defence, courts can draw negative inferences from your earlier silence.
Rights of Victims Throughout the Process
Being a victim of crime is traumatic enough without feeling powerless in the aftermath. The Victims' Code sets minimum standards for how victims should be treated, ensuring you receive proper information, support, and potentially compensation.
Personal statements give victims a voice in court proceedings. You can explain how the crime affected your life, either verbally or in writing, and this might influence sentencing. Whilst this helps with closure and healing, it could potentially expose you to further harassment from offenders or their supporters.
Victims have the right to regular updates about their case's progress without unreasonable delays. This includes information about investigations, trials, and sentences. You'll also be directed to appropriate support services and may receive special accommodations if you're considered a vulnerable witness—like giving evidence behind a screen or through pre-recorded testimony.
Key Point: You have the right to know case outcomes and can even ask the Attorney General to review sentences you believe are too lenient.
Witness Rights and Protection
Giving evidence in court can feel daunting, but the Witness Charter ensures you receive proper care and support throughout criminal proceedings. This applies whether you're testifying for prosecution, defence, or as a character witness.
Communication support is guaranteed—you can access approved translators, registered intermediaries, or signers if needed. These professionals ensure you understand questions and that the court understands your responses. However, availability might be limited for less common languages or dialects.
Witnesses deserve financial protection for their participation. You can typically claim travel expenses, and possibly compensation for childcare or lost wages from court attendance. This reduces the financial burden of doing your civic duty, though character witnesses might not be eligible for all expense claims.
Worth Knowing: You have the right to be informed about any appeals in cases where you've testified, keeping you updated on how the case progresses through the system.
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Individual Rights During Criminal Investigations
learningaboutpeople
@learningaboutpeople2
When someone gets involved in a criminal investigation—whether as a suspect, victim, or witness—they're not powerless. UK law provides specific rights and protections through legislation like PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act) and the Victims' Code to ensure fair treatment... Show more
Rights of Suspects in Criminal Investigations
Ever wondered what happens when police arrest someone? Section 24 of PACE gives police the power to arrest without a warrant, but they must tell you why you're being arrested and that you don't have to say anything (though what you do say can be used as evidence).
The system tries to balance quick police action with protecting individual rights. Whilst this flexibility helps police respond to immediate dangers, it also means officers have quite a bit of discretion in deciding whether to arrest someone—which could potentially lead to unfair treatment.
Section 58 of PACE guarantees your right to speak with a solicitor privately at any point during the process. Police must inform you of this right and help you access it. This protection reduces the risk of false confessions and ensures you understand your legal position, though some suspects might misuse this right to delay investigations.
Remember: The right to silence isn't absolute anymore—if you stay quiet during questioning but later present evidence in your defence, courts can draw negative inferences from your earlier silence.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Rights of Victims Throughout the Process
Being a victim of crime is traumatic enough without feeling powerless in the aftermath. The Victims' Code sets minimum standards for how victims should be treated, ensuring you receive proper information, support, and potentially compensation.
Personal statements give victims a voice in court proceedings. You can explain how the crime affected your life, either verbally or in writing, and this might influence sentencing. Whilst this helps with closure and healing, it could potentially expose you to further harassment from offenders or their supporters.
Victims have the right to regular updates about their case's progress without unreasonable delays. This includes information about investigations, trials, and sentences. You'll also be directed to appropriate support services and may receive special accommodations if you're considered a vulnerable witness—like giving evidence behind a screen or through pre-recorded testimony.
Key Point: You have the right to know case outcomes and can even ask the Attorney General to review sentences you believe are too lenient.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Witness Rights and Protection
Giving evidence in court can feel daunting, but the Witness Charter ensures you receive proper care and support throughout criminal proceedings. This applies whether you're testifying for prosecution, defence, or as a character witness.
Communication support is guaranteed—you can access approved translators, registered intermediaries, or signers if needed. These professionals ensure you understand questions and that the court understands your responses. However, availability might be limited for less common languages or dialects.
Witnesses deserve financial protection for their participation. You can typically claim travel expenses, and possibly compensation for childcare or lost wages from court attendance. This reduces the financial burden of doing your civic duty, though character witnesses might not be eligible for all expense claims.
Worth Knowing: You have the right to be informed about any appeals in cases where you've testified, keeping you updated on how the case progresses through the system.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Criminology
Most popular content in Criminology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user