Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Single Justice Procedure

Tuesday 5 November 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department is redesigning the SJP notice for clarity.
  • Discussions with SJP prosecutors will focus on public interest considerations.
  • Minister committed to keeping openness, clarity, and fairness in justice practices.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from concerns about the clarity and fairness of the SJP notice, a key aspect of the magistrates' court system.

Question

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.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

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.

Answered
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Q2 Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Justice & Courts
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not confirm specific actions or timelines for ensuring principles are kept at heart of practices.

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