Magistrates may be given more power under new proposals

Magistrates could soon have the power to pass sentences as soon as someone is charged in non-contested cases under new proposals.

The Justice ministry has announced plans to reform the countries legal services further and increase the speed of legal decisions.

Minister Nick Herbet claims that giving magistrates the power to hand down sentences outside of courts and pass sentences immediately will make the justice system "simple", "swift" and will remove the need for "expensive lawyers".

In a speech to the Magistrates' Association, Mr Herbert stated: "I want to reclaim summary justice for the community.

"I want us to think more radically about what else magistrates could do outside the formal court setting."

However, some fear that by limiting the ability of persons to demand a hearing, many will be greatly disadvantaged and could have their rights infringed upon.

Concerns have also been raised over the rise of out-of-court disposals and police officers acting as prosecutor, jury and judge.

Published by Phil Hammond