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The Islamic States’ Criminal Justice System
Caitlyn C. Blakely
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
Author Note
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
Email:
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Criminal Justice System in England
England, located within the United Kingdom along with Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland, is situated in the west of Europe as an island nation. With over 55 million inhabitants,
England has a rich history stretching back over 2000 years to the Roman conquest in 43 AD.
Once a global empire, England continues to exert significant political, economic and cultural
influence in the world today. The capital and largest city is London. England's geography as an
island has played a key role in its development by limiting land-based attacks but also facilitating
maritime trade and expansion. England features a diverse landscape including plains, hills and
mountains with a temperate climate.
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People and Society
The population of England is predominantly British white, with large immigrant
communities from former colonies such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Jamaica.
This reflects its imperial history and the postwar immigration that reshaped England’s cultural
makeup into a multiethnic society. English is the main language, though many other languages
are spoken among immigrant groups. The primary religion is Christianity, with a growing
Muslim population. English culture draws on Celtic, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman French
influences. Values such as politeness, dry humor and moderation are stereotypically associated
with English culture. Class divisions are also prominent in the social fabric as a legacy of the
feudal system. Regional identities remain strong with cultural variations between southern and
northern England. The industrialized urban areas contrast with the picturesque countryside.
England’s population is aging, with over 18% above 65 years old. Healthcare, economic equity
and integration of immigrants are major policy challenges.
Economy
England has a well-developed mixed economy and the fifth largest GDP in the world.
Major industries include agriculture, manufacturing, finance, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and
tourism. The service industry, particularly banking, insurance and business services make up the
largest sector. As an epicenter of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries,
England was the first country to industrialize. Major exports include manufactured goods,
pharmaceuticals, petroleum and automobiles (Aum, Lee, & Shin, 2021). England uses the pound
sterling as currency and does not utilize the Euro. As a member of the European Union, it had
access to the massive single market until the Brexit referendum led to plans for the UK to leave
the EU. This has created economic uncertainty, though England retains global financial relevance
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through London, a major international financial hub. Ongoing economic concerns include
inflation, steep housing costs, and fiscal impacts of an aging populace.
Transnational Issues
Due to its imperial history, the UK has been involved in conflicts across the world which
have led to tense relations with certain nations. England also faces domestic terrorism threats
related to the Northern Ireland conflict. As part of the EU, England was also impacted by the
European migrant crisis which strained social services. Issues like climate change and
cybersecurity are also transnational concerns facing all European nations. Crime networks
engaged in smuggling of people, drugs and arms operate across national borders. As a coastal
nation, threats to maritime security such as piracy are ongoing concerns. England has practiced
selective isolationism by avoiding the Eurozone and planning to leave the EU through Brexit.
But global dynamics inevitably shape national conditions in diverse ways England must grapple
with.
Relations with United States
The United Kingdom is one of the United States' closest allies with extensive cooperation
in areas such as trade, defense, intelligence and law enforcement. The countries share deep
historical ties and similar values rooted in common Anglo-Saxon Protestant origins. The UK
supported the US in the War on Terror following 9/11, with Britain joining the invasion of
Afghanistan and Iraq. However, the partnership weathered strains under Trump's tenure over
issues like the Iran nuclear deal as the UK stayed committed to the agreement. Areas of
divergence remain, including on policy towards the EU. Still, the two nations collaborate closely
as NATO partners sharing vital interests in European security. The longstanding “Special
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Relationship” continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the transatlantic alliance. Shared challenges
like terrorism and rising powers keep the allies united despite occasional political rifts.
Government Structure
The government of England operates as a constitutional monarchy with elements of a
parliamentary democracy. As a commonwealth realm, the British monarch (currently Charles III)
serves as head of state, while power is exercised by the Prime Minister and cabinet. The
parliament consisting of the elected House of Commons and the House of Lords is the legislative
branch. Courts exercise judicial authority to interpret laws. Local governments at the regional
and municipal levels administer services. The police maintain law and order as part of the Home
Office under the control of Parliament. Public prosecutors work for the independent Crown
Prosecution Service to bring criminal cases to court. Prisons and probation fall under the
Ministry of Justice. This decentralized framework disperses criminal justice duties across
different bodies to provide checks and balances on state power.
Legal System
England uses the common law legal tradition based on precedent set by past court
rulings. Crimes and punishments are defined by legislative statutes, interpreted by judges. Jury
trials establish facts in criminal cases (McConalogue, & McConalogue, 2020). Adversarial
proceedings where prosecution and defense present competing versions pit the parties against
each other, contrasting with inquisitorial systems where judges investigate facts. The emphasis
on judicial discretion, fairness and the rights of defendants reflects the concern for individual
liberty rooted in England's liberal democratic values. Respect for due process aims to prevent
overreach of state power. The Law Commission periodically reviews the law to recommend
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reforms. Overall, the English legal system demonstrates the gradual evolution of justice
institutions over centuries shaped by political struggles for rights.
Components of Criminal Justice System
Law Enforcement - There are local police forces and national agencies like the National
Crime Agency. Police powers include arrest, investigation, surveillance and use of force.
Oversight bodies like the IPCC ensure accountability.
Judiciary - England has a unitary system with a Supreme Court, Appeals Court, High
Court, Crown Courts for serious crimes, magistrate’s courts and tribunals. Judges
interpret statutes and ensure fair proceedings.
Corrections - Prisons incarcerate convicted criminals based on security levels. Parole and
probation provide supervised release into the community. Rehabilitation programs aim
for effective re-entry.
Legal Profession - Solicitors assist clients, barristers argue cases in court and notaries
draft documents. Qualification involves training and certification by professional bodies.
Public defenders help those who cannot afford private counsel.
Forensics - Police labs analyze evidence collected from crime scenes and bodies.
Forensic science aids investigations through ballistics, toxicology, DNA analysis and
digital forensics techniques. Criminal profiling is also utilized.
Crime Committed
While visiting the lively city of London as a tourist, I made an ill-advised decision after
having one too many drinks at a local pub. I proceeded to drive recklessly while exceeding the
speed limit, swerving between lanes on the motorway. My vehicle ran over the curb and collided
with a street lamp. When the police arrived, I failed the breathalyzer test while attempting to
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touch my nose and walk in a straight line. Blood alcohol results later showed I was nearly twice
the legal limit. I was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in violation of the 1988
Road Traffic Act which prohibits drunk driving (Mohan, et al., 2021). The legal limit is 35
micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath in England, and my test results were 68 mcg.
My actions constituted a serious criminal offense that threatened public safety. I caused damage
to public property and could have easily hurt or killed innocent people.
Law Enforcement Response
Two police officers arrived promptly in a marked patrol car after witnesses reported
erratic driving and an accident. They questioned me about what happened but I was belligerent
and uncooperative in my inebriated state. After failing the standard sobriety tests they had me
take, I was handcuffed and informed of my arrest. While frisking me, officers seized my personal
belongings for processing. At the station, they fingerprinted me and took my mugshot before
placing me in a temporary holding cell to sober up. Once the lab results confirmed my blood
alcohol level, I was officially charged. Since I was considered a flight risk as a foreigner, I was
denied bail and spent 48 hours in jail until my arraignment.
Judicial Proceedings
At my first court appearance before the magistrate, I was allowed to submit a plea. My
court-appointed lawyer advised me to plead guilty based on the strength of evidence against me.
I faced a sentence ranging from a hefty fine, license suspension and prison term up to six
months. The prosecutor outlined the charges and impact of my reckless behavior. My lawyer
highlighted my lack of criminal history and personal circumstances in pleading for leniency.
After reviewing submissions, the judge found me guilty based on the facts and sentenced me to a
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one-year license suspension and £5000 penalties considering it my first offense. I was relieved to
avoid jail time.
Correction Process
I avoided jail time due to my suspended sentence. I paid the £5000 fines immediately to
avoid further penalties or incarceration for nonpayment. My home country driver's license was
invalidated in England, so I could not drive there for a year (Valen, et al., 2019). This greatly
limited my mobility and required me to use buses and the Underground solely. As a visitor
unfamiliar with London's intricate transit network, I struggled to navigate and was frustrated by
lengthy rides. This showed me how much I took driving for granted. My probation required
drunk driving counseling. DUI training taught me how dangerous driving a lot of machinery
while drunk is. I felt ashamed of my behavior after hearing from drunk driving victims
incapacitated for life. Session topics included responsible drinking and taxi or transit after
drinking. I had to write about prior substance-related dangerous behaviors and how to avoid
them. With an ankle bracelet and random breathalyzer tests, my probation officer tracked my
activities and alcohol intake. Drinking or being late for class would have resulted in jail time for
violating probation. Restrictions and counseling were a powerful wake-up call about my
activities and how easily an alcohol-fueled failure of judgment may damage or kill lives.
Analysis
Effectiveness of Criminal Justice System
The London Metropolitan Police quickly and professionally apprehended lawbreakers
like myself without compromising public safety. Field sobriety and breathalyzer tests were
administered carefully to develop a scientific case for drunk driving charges (Oh, et al., 2020).
Officers properly documented blood sample chain of custody at the station to ensure court
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admissibility. All along, I was treated politely as a defendant facing serious charges. I had a
lawyer and a fair court hearing to defend myself. The punishment was justified in discouraging
future transgressions, rehabilitating me through counseling and probation and social risk
punishment. But sanctions were neither excessive nor spiteful. My humanity was respected
despite my appropriate penalty. Agency coordination streamlined the criminal justice process
from inquiry to sentence (Delaney, 2022). Separating police and judiciary prevented power
abuse. If mistreated, I may appeal. The decision was fair since it forced me take responsibility for
my carelessness without ruining my life. This demonstrated justice, not vengeance.
The Human Rights Approach
My human rights were respected throughout the ordeal. I was arrested without force or
severe holding cell conditions. Professional police and judges always saw me as human. My due
process protection was presumption of innocence until proven guilty (UK Parliament, 2023). My
prosecution required strong evidence, not confession. Counsel gave me adequate time to prepare
my defense. The final phrase fit irresponsible drunk driving without violating human rights.
Detention provided food, water, rest, and hygiene. No one criticized me as a foreigner. Gjerde, &
Strand (2023) found that the English criminal justice system followed the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights. Nothing corrupt, unfair, or
inhumane transpired. The decision increased my faith in institutional safeguards safeguarding
individual dignity and equality before the law, even for lawbreakers like myself. I had to atone
for the offense, but the State upheld fundamental rights fairly. This follows modern human rights
ethical governance criteria.
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Christian Perspective on Justice
The Bible emphasizes loving others, repentance for sins and forgiveness. As a Christian, I
believe the criminal justice system should aim to reform individuals through rehabilitation in a
manner respecting human dignity. While punishment and restitution are warranted for crimes, the
ultimate goal should be restoring people's relationship with God and community. The law should
be applied justly with concern for equality and proportionality. Officials must exercise authority
without abuse. From a Christian view, justice requires balancing mercy, redemption, restitution
and due process. Two relevant verses are Micah 6:8 which states “What does the Lord require of
you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” and Matthew
7:12 which urges “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is
the Law and the Prophets.” England's system seemed to largely reflect these ideals in my case.
Punishment served primarily to reform me and prevent repeat behavior without being
excessively harsh or vengeful. Mercy tempered law to facilitate my reintegration instead of
permanent shunning from society. The outcome aligned with biblical notions of justice seasoned
with grace.
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References
Aum, S., Lee, S. Y. T., & Shin, Y. (2021). Inequality of fear and self-quarantine: Is there a trade-
off between GDP and public health?. Journal of Public Economics, 194, 104354.
Delaney, E. F. (2022). The UK's Basic Structure Doctrine: Miller II and Judicial Power in
Comparative Perspective. Notre Dame J. Int'l Comp. L., 12, 22.
Gjerde, H., & Strand, M. C. (2023). Legal limits for driving under the influence of illicit drugs:
large variations between jurisdictions. Forensic Science International: Reports, 100336.
McConalogue, J., & McConalogue, J. (2020). Eight Historical Constitutional Forms: Defining
the Rule of the Present Day ‘Recognised Helm’. The British Constitution Resettled:
Parliamentary Sovereignty Before and After Brexit, 63-112.
Mohan, A., Fitzgerald, N., Uny, I., & Begley, A. (2021). Drink Drive–taking stock, moving
forward.
Oh, S., Vaughn, M. G., Salas-Wright, C. P., AbiNader, M. A., & Sanchez, M. (2020). Driving
under the influence of alcohol: findings from the NSDUH, 2002–2017. Addictive
behaviors, 108, 106439.
The Holy Bible
UK Parliament, (2023). “Government not taking “appalling” harms from alcohol seriously
enough” from, https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/127/public-accounts-
committee/news/195391/government-not-taking-appalling-harms-from-alcohol-seriously-
enough/
Valen, A., Bogstrand, S. T., Vindenes, V., Frost, J., Larsson, M., Holtan, A., & Gjerde, H. (2019).
Driver-related risk factors of fatal road traffic crashes associated with alcohol or drug
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