The Catholic Church across Yorkshire's historic West Riding since 1878

The Catholic Church across Yorkshire's historic West Riding since 1878

Who Decides What a Crime is?

Crime is defined by laws of England and Wales. Laws are drafted by Government, and are altered and “passed” by Parliament – the MPs who we vote into power, and the Lords. A majority of Parliament has to vote for this legislation to become law. More information on how government works is available here.

Government also regulates or oversees the criminal justice system through the Ministry of Justice, which has responsibility for the courts, prison and probation, the Home Office, which oversees the police, and the Attorney General’s Office, which plays a role in sentencing along with the Sentencing Council.