Basic, simple changes to procedure which can save time and money.
Dear sir / madam,
I am a junior barrister who has considerable experience of the Magistrates' Court. I think you could save money in the following ways;
– abolish committal hearings, just request a 6(1) committal if necessary.
– Stricter criteria for police before they refuse bail. The majority of overnight cases which custody sgnts refuse bail on get bail with conditions in the Magistrates' Court the next day.
– All legal advisor's to be in court and available to deal with matters under delegated powers where appropriate, then the bench can be in at 10.00am on the dot.
– All Magistrates' Courts to open at 9.00am and all prosecutors to be available to serve papers at 9.00am enabling cases to start promptly at 10.00am.
Many thanks,
Frances Ridout