Closing Courts?

[Fittster]

So is there really a downside to closing a large number of magistrates' courts? To an outsider it seems like a perfectly sensible thing to do.

[Derek Smith]

Fittster said:

So is there really a downside to closing a large number of magistrates' courts? To an outsider it seems like a perfectly sensible thing to do.

Look at it from the point of view of the witness or victim. It's not so bad in the cities and towns but the rural magistrates courts served the local community. Why should a witness be forced to travel for miles, to be messed around and then stood down at a whim?

One of the defence ploys is to call all witnesses and then come up with a reason why the trial cannot go ahead. So some public spirited MoP will get on a bus at some unearthly hour in the rural areas, come into the big town, sit around for five hours and then go home without giving evidence on the promise that they will be asked to come again.

It is a farce sometimes. I've known all witnesses to be called only for the defendant, once he's been told they are all there, to plead guilty and get a reduction in sentence.

I've been kept in court for two days only to be asked on question in cross which was clear on my statement. The courts have little regard for the problems of witnesses. Closing courts will just make it worse.

[Captain Cadillac]

HA!

That's nothing... I drove 740 miles to testify on my best friend's behalf at a hearing in his divorce... guess what? January 10th now.. they think

[Mojooo]

Derek Smith said:

It is a farce sometimes. I've known all witnesses to be called only for the defendant, once he's been told they are all there, to plead guilty and get a reduction in sentence.

Indeed, I know of a couple of occasions where this has happened

They shouuld automatically get 6 months inside if they are found to be doing it (calling witnesses for no reason).

[Jasandjules]

It's a problem really. We are supposed to want fast justice. One of the few things that the state should do on our behalf, therefore it should be done well.

I fear for justice in this country (even more than before!).

[baldy1926]

I only ever get court on a day off. My last job sat there for 4 hours then not needed-again. My evidence was very vital -walking to the cells opening the hatch and having an offer of interview turned down!
Its the same most times.
Where i come from in norfolk people will have to travel 30+ miles often with no public transport.
How many chavs will turn up late or at all.