This year marks the 650th anniversary of the appointment of the first Justices of the Peace in England and Wales. But many magistrates courts are now facing closure as part of the cost saving measures announced by the Ministry of Justice. So how valuable is the role played by local magistrates and what impact will the court closures have? Jenny Cuffe has been following developments in Salford where the Magistrates court is one of those on the hit-list. The ageing listed building which houses the court dates back to the early nineteenth century - but the court itself has been involved in current initiatives including special domestic violence courts and a pilot scheme in restorative justice. As local politicians battle to stave off the closure, Jenny Cuffe follows day-to-day business - talking to magistrates, lawyers and their clients, and assessing the claims of those who say justice needs to be delivered locally.
Edited: Mike Thornton
Producer: Jenny Cuffe
Editor: David Ross.
This programme takes a look at not only what Magistrates can and cannot do but we hear from some of the people affected by the decisions Magistrates make both defendants and their families. Jenny has a knack at being able to ask the obvoius questions of folk and get them to talk to her openly. There is a ponient moment towards the end where we hear the family shouting to a loved one in a prison van as it drives off to take him to prison.
Do listen tomorrow at 8pm if you can or grab it on iPlayer after the programme has finished.
No comments:
Post a Comment