Commenting on today’s announcement by the Lord Chancellor that the government is launching a review of the criminal courts, Mark Beattie, national chair of the Magistrates’ Association, said:
“The Magistrates’ Association welcomes the announcement of this wide-ranging review, which will consider sweeping changes to crown and magistrates’ courts, and we hope that it will help enable the criminal justice system to move from its current crisis state to a long-term and sustainable future.
“As we and many other commentators have said, the criminal justice system is in a state of crisis, with lengthy trial delays, a huge backlog in the crown courts, and a crumbling courts estate which isn’t fit for purpose.
“The review will consider the case for new intermediate courts between the magistrates’ and crown courts, where cases would be heard by a judge sitting with two magistrates. It will also look at whether magistrates’ sentencing range could be increased, to further reduce the pressure on the crown courts. These are sensible ideas and we look forward to working with our members and the review as it takes shape. Magistrates are highly trained, already deal with over 90 per cent of criminal cases and stand ready and willing to help in the recovery of the justice system, to ensure swifter justice for victims, witnesses and defendants.
“However, the fact remains that criminal justice has been underfunded for at least the last decade, so for the review to achieve its aims, it must be supported by a long-term, sustainable and considered investment in the whole criminal justice system, from prisons to the courts, probation and legal aid. This review is another useful piece in the justice jigsaw, but there is still more to do.”
