Single Justice Procedure 2024-11-05
2024-11-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the clarity and fairness of the SJP notice, a key aspect of the magistrates' court system.
What steps her Department is taking to improve the single justice procedure. The concern stems from redesigning the SJP notice for clarity and ensuring that public interest considerations precede prosecutions.
I have listened carefully to concerns raised about the single justice procedure. As a first step, I have asked the Courts and Tribunals Service to redesign the SJP notice and make it clearer. I will also call in SJP prosecutors to discuss ways in which we can ensure that they consider the public interest in advance of making prosecutions.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns were raised about the overturning of SJP for rail fines by a chief magistrate, potentially nullifying 74,000 fines. In addition, recent reports indicate LNER has brought prosecutions under SJP without providing evidence.
Will the Minister confirm that her Department will keep principles such as openness, clarity, and fairness at the heart of all justice practices including SJPs? The questioner does not assume guilt or innocence in these cases but highlights the need for a fair process where people are informed about the evidence against them.
I will raise the evidential questions raised by my hon. Friend with representatives of the train operating companies when they and other SJP prosecutors join me in discussions in the next few weeks. I am clear that the single justice procedure is vital for the efficient running of the magistrates court, but it must operate fairly and effectively. I will not tolerate poor practice, and I will not hesitate to fundamentally reform the system if that is required.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not confirm specific actions or timelines for ensuring principles are kept at heart of practices.
Response accuracy