Law and Rights
The office of Justice of the Peace is one of the oldest known to our law. I wrote about the justices in June 2011 as part of a series of posts about our legal system. Today, a considerable number of the justices are members of the Magistrates' Association and its recently elected chairman has suggested that there be a debate about allowing some former offenders to become magistrates - Law Society Gazette 11th November - Let ex-offenders sit as magistrates. The article is worth reading since the suggestion is more nuanced than the headline would suggest. Nevertheless, I disagree with any weakening of existing policy in this area. (Existing policy does not necessarily exclude those with minor convictions). It has to be paramount that the bench maintains not only legal authority but also moral authority to sit in judgment on the actions of fellow citizens.
In 1307 and 1308 Keepers of the Peace
were empowered to arrest people on suspicion of felony, and in 1316, in Kent, they were empowered to judge the cases of those they had arrested, so the jails could be cleared (Alan Harding - The Law Courts of Medieval England - 1973). Although appointed by the King, the 'Keepers' were local men. In the reign of Edward III, the office of justice of the peace was established (Justices of the Peace Act 1361) and it was stated that there were to be 'three or four of the most worthy in the county, together with some learned in the law.' In 1388 the numbers of justices in each county was increased and it was enacted that they be paid 4 shillings for each day of their sessions: in effect, twelve times the average working wage of the day. At the present time, justices receive certain expenses which are not all that generous! The magistracy celebrated its 650th anniversary in 2011. Over the last 652 years, the role of the magistrate has changed many times (and continues to do so) but it has been an abiding requirement that justices be of demonstrably good character. I for one hope that this will be maintained.
Guidance notes for applicants - Section 4 explains the present policy regarding previous convictions
Addendum 18th November:
Law Society Gazette - Felons on the bench would be a crime - former criminal defence solicitor John Morton argues that Richard Monkhouse's thoughts do not merit much consideration. Does the public really want ex-criminals sitting in judgment over them? Morton also argues that appointing minor ex-criminals to the bench is a slippery slope.
- Reforming The Role Of Magistrates
This morning I draw attention to an article in Modern Law Review (November 2014) - Reforming the role of Magistrates: Implications for summary justice in England and Wales The article may be obtained (£) from the Wiley Online Library. The Library...
- The Magistrates' Courts
The legal system of England and Wales is quite unique with regard to the extensive lay involvement in the administration of justice in the Magistrates' Courts as well as members of the public forming juries in the Crown Court and, occasionally, in...
- A Jewel Beyond Price ... The Magistracy Of England And Wales ... No.2
Rochdale Magistrates Court In December 2010 Law and Lawyers looked at the magistracy of England and Wales which was described by the late Lord Bingham as a "democratic jewel beyond price." 25th January 2011 marked the 650th Anniversary of the Justices...
- Magistrates' Courts
Magistrates' Courts deal with the bulk of criminal cases brought to court in England and Wales. The judiciary in a magistrates' court comprises the Justices of the Peace (JPs or, as they are often referred to these days, "lay magistrates")...
- The Judiciary - More On Appointment Processes
Justices of the Peace - The Ministry of Justice has announced a consultation about proposed changes to the system for appointing Justices of the Peace. Serving as a J.P. is a very important way in which the layman can contribute to the administration...
Law and Rights
Justices of the Peace
In 1307 and 1308 Keepers of the Peace
were empowered to arrest people on suspicion of felony, and in 1316, in Kent, they were empowered to judge the cases of those they had arrested, so the jails could be cleared (Alan Harding - The Law Courts of Medieval England - 1973). Although appointed by the King, the 'Keepers' were local men. In the reign of Edward III, the office of justice of the peace was established (Justices of the Peace Act 1361) and it was stated that there were to be 'three or four of the most worthy in the county, together with some learned in the law.' In 1388 the numbers of justices in each county was increased and it was enacted that they be paid 4 shillings for each day of their sessions: in effect, twelve times the average working wage of the day. At the present time, justices receive certain expenses which are not all that generous! The magistracy celebrated its 650th anniversary in 2011. Over the last 652 years, the role of the magistrate has changed many times (and continues to do so) but it has been an abiding requirement that justices be of demonstrably good character. I for one hope that this will be maintained.
Guidance notes for applicants - Section 4 explains the present policy regarding previous convictions
Addendum 18th November:
Law Society Gazette - Felons on the bench would be a crime - former criminal defence solicitor John Morton argues that Richard Monkhouse's thoughts do not merit much consideration. Does the public really want ex-criminals sitting in judgment over them? Morton also argues that appointing minor ex-criminals to the bench is a slippery slope.
- Reforming The Role Of Magistrates
This morning I draw attention to an article in Modern Law Review (November 2014) - Reforming the role of Magistrates: Implications for summary justice in England and Wales The article may be obtained (£) from the Wiley Online Library. The Library...
- The Magistrates' Courts
The legal system of England and Wales is quite unique with regard to the extensive lay involvement in the administration of justice in the Magistrates' Courts as well as members of the public forming juries in the Crown Court and, occasionally, in...
- A Jewel Beyond Price ... The Magistracy Of England And Wales ... No.2
Rochdale Magistrates Court In December 2010 Law and Lawyers looked at the magistracy of England and Wales which was described by the late Lord Bingham as a "democratic jewel beyond price." 25th January 2011 marked the 650th Anniversary of the Justices...
- Magistrates' Courts
Magistrates' Courts deal with the bulk of criminal cases brought to court in England and Wales. The judiciary in a magistrates' court comprises the Justices of the Peace (JPs or, as they are often referred to these days, "lay magistrates")...
- The Judiciary - More On Appointment Processes
Justices of the Peace - The Ministry of Justice has announced a consultation about proposed changes to the system for appointing Justices of the Peace. Serving as a J.P. is a very important way in which the layman can contribute to the administration...