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This book details changes to 'summary justice' in the lower tier magistrates' courts in England and Wales. It contextualises these within notions of modernisation and economic efficiency, and critically analyses whether 'procedural due process' is being challenged. It incorporates empirical research with magistrates and appraises 'lay justice' in this changing environment.
List of contents
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Transformations to Lower Court Summary Justice
3. The Magistrates’ Courts, Magistrates and Lay Justice
4. Magistrates, Motivations and Contributions to Justice
5. Magistrates’ Courts, Modernisation and the Future
6. Social Justice Meets Criminal Justice
7. Conclusion
About the author
Jennifer Ward is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology of the School of Law at Middlesex University, London.
Summary
This book details changes to ‘summary justice’ in the lower tier magistrates’ courts in England and Wales. It contextualises these within notions of modernisation and economic efficiency, and critically analyses whether ‘procedural due process’ is being challenged. It incorporates empirical research with magistrates and appraises ‘lay justice’ in this changing environment.
Additional text
"In an era of budget cuts and a search for more efficient criminal justice, Jenni Ward's Transforming Summary Justice provides new and important insights base. All who are interested in the future of summary justice at a time of austerity should read the book."
Julian V. Roberts, Professor of Criminology, Centre for Criminology, University of Oxford, UK and Fellow, Worcester College
"Transforming Summary Justice goes to the heart of the distinctive role and value of lay magistrates in the English legal system. Through detailed interviews combined with court observation, Ward deftly shows how broader changes, under the banner of modernization and professionalization, shape magistrates’ experience and delivery of local justice. It offers an up to date, valuable addition to the classic studies of English magistrates and their courts."
Sharyn Roach Anleu, Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor, School of Social and Policy Studies, Flinders University, Australia
