The Government has decided to increase the Magistrates' Court sentencing powers (yet again).
As I'm feeling particularly lazy this afternoon I'll direct readers to my earlier thoughts on this.
The nub of the matter (my previous words): "By giving the Magistrates' Courts greater sentencing powers, it means more either way offences can by tried and sentenced at the Magistrates' Court. This should result in defendants being remanded in custody for a short period of time, thus relieving the strain on prison places."
The Rt. Hon. Shabana Mahmood MP, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, said: "This Government inherited a Criminal Justice System in crisis, with dangerously overcrowded prisons and victims waiting far too long to see justice.
"This marks a further step towards addressing the deep challenges in our Criminal Justice System, both reducing the record remand population in our jails and delivering swifter justice for victims."
The Statutory Instrument to increase sentencing powers is due to be laid on 28th October and changes will come into force on 18th November 2024.
The usual suspects are already wagging their fingers in disapproval at the plan.
In an ideal world the nation would have the inclination and resources to recruit enough District Judges and Recorders to handle the most routine of criminal cases.
Back in the real world, it doesn't - so it's pointless carping on about the mere existence of the lay Magistracy.
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