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Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
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Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
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1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
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Criminology
5 Dec 2025
1,100
6 pages
Louise @louise_studies
Ever wonder how the UK criminal justice system actually works behind the scenes? From the moment someone's arrested... Show more
Think of the CPS as the decision-makers who decide whether someone actually gets taken to court. They're not just rubber-stamping police arrests - they're carefully weighing up whether there's enough solid evidence to make a conviction likely.
The CPS operates through 14 regional teams across England and Wales, plus CPS Direct which provides charging advice to police forces nationwide. Before any prosecution goes ahead, cases must pass two crucial tests the Evidence Test (is there enough credible evidence?) and the Public Interest Test (is it worth prosecuting considering factors like the seriousness of the crime and impact on victims).
Their core philosophy centres on independence and fairness - treating everyone with respect whilst striving for excellence. However, funding cuts of 32% since 2010 have significantly impacted their operations, despite additional income from successful court cases.
Key Point The CPS doesn't just prosecute - they also advise police on what evidence is needed and support victims throughout the legal process.
British policing follows Sir Robert Peel's philosophy that police are servants of the public, relying on public consent rather than force. This explains why most UK police officers remain unarmed - a stark contrast to many other countries.
There are 43 police forces across the UK (39 in England, 4 in Wales, plus separate forces for Scotland and Northern Ireland). Beyond regular officers, the system includes Special Constables (unpaid volunteers with full police powers), PCSOs with limited powers for anti-social behaviour, and Police and Crime Commissioners who give the public a voice in local policing priorities.
The 2020/21 budget was £15.2 billion, with two-thirds from government funding and most of the rest from council tax. However, police funding fell by 19% between 2010 and 2018, creating significant operational challenges.
Remember UK police deal with most crimes, but specialist units like HM Revenue handle specific areas like fraud.
Judges handle everything except the most minor offences (which magistrates deal with). The system follows a clear hierarchy from District Judges at the bottom (earning £112,000 in 2020) right up to the Lord Chief Justice (£262,000).
Judicial independence is absolutely crucial - judges can't be removed except by petition to the monarch from both Houses of Parliament. They're guaranteed salaries and security of tenure to ensure they can make decisions without political pressure.
The judiciary's core principles include impartiality (not favouring either side), integrity (being honest and morally principled), and ensuring equal treatment for everyone in court. In Crown Courts, judges manage trials and explain legal issues to juries, whilst Appeal Court judges create precedents that bind future decisions.
Did You Know? The Supreme Court settles points of law that affect the entire nation, making their decisions incredibly influential.
The UK's 117 prisons house offenders deemed too dangerous for community sentences, from murderers to thieves. The system aims to rehabilitate offenders and protect the public, but faces serious challenges with reduced educational opportunities due to staff cuts.
Budget cuts have been severe - 16% lower funding than 2010 and 15% fewer officers, with a third of current staff having less than three years' experience. Each prisoner costs approximately £46,000 per year to house.
The Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) system operates on three levels - basic, standard, and enhanced. Good behaviour earns privileges like TVs in cells and extra visits, whilst bad behaviour results in restrictions.
Reality Check Despite rehabilitation being a key aim, budget cuts have severely limited education and training programmes that actually help offenders change their lives.
The National Probation Service (NPS) supervises around 250,000 offenders annually - those considered safe enough for community sentences or released on licence. They handle low to medium-risk offenders and play a crucial role in victim support.
Pre-sentence reports prepared by probation staff help courts choose appropriate sentences. For serious crimes , probation must contact victims about the offender's potential release, sending reports to the Parole Board who decide on early release applications.
The service operates under a philosophy that offenders can become responsible members of society, emphasising social justice and individual dignity. Released prisoners must follow strict licence conditions including residence requirements, movement restrictions, and exclusion zones.
Important Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) were scrapped in 2020 after failing to meet reoffending targets, wasting £324m in 2018 alone.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
18
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
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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
Louise
@louise_studies
Ever wonder how the UK criminal justice system actually works behind the scenes? From the moment someone's arrested to their potential rehabilitation, a complex network of agencies work together to investigate crimes, prosecute offenders, and hopefully prevent future crime.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Think of the CPS as the decision-makers who decide whether someone actually gets taken to court. They're not just rubber-stamping police arrests - they're carefully weighing up whether there's enough solid evidence to make a conviction likely.
The CPS operates through 14 regional teams across England and Wales, plus CPS Direct which provides charging advice to police forces nationwide. Before any prosecution goes ahead, cases must pass two crucial tests: the Evidence Test (is there enough credible evidence?) and the Public Interest Test (is it worth prosecuting considering factors like the seriousness of the crime and impact on victims).
Their core philosophy centres on independence and fairness - treating everyone with respect whilst striving for excellence. However, funding cuts of 32% since 2010 have significantly impacted their operations, despite additional income from successful court cases.
Key Point: The CPS doesn't just prosecute - they also advise police on what evidence is needed and support victims throughout the legal process.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
British policing follows Sir Robert Peel's philosophy that police are servants of the public, relying on public consent rather than force. This explains why most UK police officers remain unarmed - a stark contrast to many other countries.
There are 43 police forces across the UK (39 in England, 4 in Wales, plus separate forces for Scotland and Northern Ireland). Beyond regular officers, the system includes Special Constables (unpaid volunteers with full police powers), PCSOs with limited powers for anti-social behaviour, and Police and Crime Commissioners who give the public a voice in local policing priorities.
The 2020/21 budget was £15.2 billion, with two-thirds from government funding and most of the rest from council tax. However, police funding fell by 19% between 2010 and 2018, creating significant operational challenges.
Remember: UK police deal with most crimes, but specialist units like HM Revenue handle specific areas like fraud.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Judges handle everything except the most minor offences (which magistrates deal with). The system follows a clear hierarchy from District Judges at the bottom (earning £112,000 in 2020) right up to the Lord Chief Justice (£262,000).
Judicial independence is absolutely crucial - judges can't be removed except by petition to the monarch from both Houses of Parliament. They're guaranteed salaries and security of tenure to ensure they can make decisions without political pressure.
The judiciary's core principles include impartiality (not favouring either side), integrity (being honest and morally principled), and ensuring equal treatment for everyone in court. In Crown Courts, judges manage trials and explain legal issues to juries, whilst Appeal Court judges create precedents that bind future decisions.
Did You Know?: The Supreme Court settles points of law that affect the entire nation, making their decisions incredibly influential.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The UK's 117 prisons house offenders deemed too dangerous for community sentences, from murderers to thieves. The system aims to rehabilitate offenders and protect the public, but faces serious challenges with reduced educational opportunities due to staff cuts.
Budget cuts have been severe - 16% lower funding than 2010 and 15% fewer officers, with a third of current staff having less than three years' experience. Each prisoner costs approximately £46,000 per year to house.
The Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) system operates on three levels - basic, standard, and enhanced. Good behaviour earns privileges like TVs in cells and extra visits, whilst bad behaviour results in restrictions.
Reality Check: Despite rehabilitation being a key aim, budget cuts have severely limited education and training programmes that actually help offenders change their lives.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The National Probation Service (NPS) supervises around 250,000 offenders annually - those considered safe enough for community sentences or released on licence. They handle low to medium-risk offenders and play a crucial role in victim support.
Pre-sentence reports prepared by probation staff help courts choose appropriate sentences. For serious crimes , probation must contact victims about the offender's potential release, sending reports to the Parole Board who decide on early release applications.
The service operates under a philosophy that offenders can become responsible members of society, emphasising social justice and individual dignity. Released prisoners must follow strict licence conditions including residence requirements, movement restrictions, and exclusion zones.
Important: Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) were scrapped in 2020 after failing to meet reoffending targets, wasting £324m in 2018 alone.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
18
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
App Store
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
