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'Cost-cutting' justice criticised 'Cost-cutting' justice criticised
(about 7 hours later)
Decisions in courts in England and Wales are being made on the basis of cost not justice, say magistrates.Decisions in courts in England and Wales are being made on the basis of cost not justice, say magistrates.
In a letter to the prime minister, the Magistrates' Association argues against the use of fixed penalty notices for the likes of public order offences.In a letter to the prime minister, the Magistrates' Association argues against the use of fixed penalty notices for the likes of public order offences.
Magistrates say there are also unhappy budgets have been cut and many courtrooms have been closed. Magistrates say they are also unhappy budgets have been cut and many courtrooms have been closed.
The government has said that it wants the courts to provide "speedy, simple, summary justice".The government has said that it wants the courts to provide "speedy, simple, summary justice".
It has said courts - especially magistrates' courts - are clogged up with too many cases which they do not need to hear and can be dealt with administratively.It has said courts - especially magistrates' courts - are clogged up with too many cases which they do not need to hear and can be dealt with administratively.
Public confidencePublic confidence
But the association says the increased use of measures like fixed penalty notices meant sentences were being decided on "financial grounds rather than judicial grounds".But the association says the increased use of measures like fixed penalty notices meant sentences were being decided on "financial grounds rather than judicial grounds".
Its chairwoman Cindy Barnett said the situation dents public confidence in the criminal justice system.Its chairwoman Cindy Barnett said the situation dents public confidence in the criminal justice system.
She told The Times: "Anger has really spilt over about the cost-cutting effects of government initiatives.She told The Times: "Anger has really spilt over about the cost-cutting effects of government initiatives.
"We accept that there are enormous pressures, from, for example, the legal aid budget and that funding can't be unlimited."We accept that there are enormous pressures, from, for example, the legal aid budget and that funding can't be unlimited.
"But it is a basic necessity. Quality justice can only be provided by a properly-resourced court service."But it is a basic necessity. Quality justice can only be provided by a properly-resourced court service.
"Lack of proper support now severely threatens and debilitates the delivery of a modern well-run service.""Lack of proper support now severely threatens and debilitates the delivery of a modern well-run service."