NCJ Number
187836
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper examines measures to reduce delays in the magistrates' courts.
Abstract
Measures to reduce delays in the magistrates' courts were introduced nationally on November 1, 1999. In April 2000 a questionnaire was sent to all criminal justice areas to establish how the provisions were working. Most areas said that time taken by straightforward guilty pleas had been reduced, there were more guilty pleas at first appearance, and fewer avoidable adjournments. Locating Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) staff at police stations improved police/CPS relationships and ensured that more files were right the first time. Lay CPS staff coped well with presenting straightforward guilty plea cases although their use led to some inflexibility in planning court business and had not yet reduced CPS lawyers' workloads. Some courts had not fully embraced the new procedures and continued to grant avoidable adjournments. Other difficulties included: delays in getting compensation details; lack of impact on contested cases; inefficient court listing practices; and problems for the defense, such as lack of time and information, which affected their ability to advise clients effectively. Finally, most areas considered that faster case progression improved the quality of justice to victims, witnesses, and defendants. Figures, reference