Magistrates courts were meant to be places where justice could be done and be seen to be done locally, by a panel of local lay judges.

If, as at present, a petty criminal fails to respect the authority of the court when brought before the magistrates, what hope is there that they will respect the authority of the community justice panel? We might ask whether it is even appropriate for serious criminals or those involved in gang violence to be dealt with at such a low level in the justice system. Unfortunately, community justice panels are a well-intentioned but naive plan, doomed to failure.

Jon Mack, anti-social behaviour officer, Springboard Housing Association

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