Shining a light on crime and justice - NIACRO sponsors VIEW Magazine Issue 50

Crime, and how to respond to it, is a topic on which almost everyone has a view and there are many ways we can view what goes on within our justice system.  Last year for example just over 28,000 cases went through the Magistrates and High Courts in Northern Ireland.  Of these, 83.3% resulted in a conviction.  Interestingly, 44.1% of these convictions were motoring related.  Of those convicted of all offences, 55.6 % received a monetary penalty and 12.3% a prison sentence.[1]

Public and media debate often focuses on prison as the solution to crime or offending behaviour.  However, prison is not and cannot be the appropriate response to all crime.

NIACRO is delighted to support Issue 50 of VIEW Magazine, focusing on crime and justice. Edited by NIACRO Chair, Sid McDowell, the magazine focuses on a broad range of themes including alternatives to imprisonment, rehabilitation initiates, and measures to assist victims of crime.

This issue features contributions from academics such as Phil Scraton, Pete Shirlow, and Jayne Finlay, as well as views from statutory agencies including the NI Prison Service and PBNI. We also hear from colleagues in the third sector and most importantly, from those who have lived experience of the criminal justice system.