Overview

In this thoroughly informed account of the magistracy the author deals with key issues touching on that institution. Focussing on what Lord Bingham, Lord Chief Justice, described as a 'democratic jewel beyond price', he explains its rationale, goals and over-riding values. Dealing with major developments, economics, management, day-to-day practicalities and changing times the author casts an experienced eye over summary justice, law and order and its fascinating history of local administration. Describing the magistracy as a great national institution, independent, respected and a true people's court, John Hosking nevertheless decries a halving of its size, closure of courthouses, remote services and increasing reliance on professional judges rather than community volunteers. Though much has changed for the better to increase competency, meet criticism and maintain integrity, the book explains how other developments have challenged the very status of the lay magistracy and made inroads into one of the most cherished principles of our democracy: public participation in the justice system.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Hosking
Publisher:   Waterside Press
Imprint:   Waterside Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
ISBN:  

9781909976740

ISBN 10:   1909976741
Pages:   252
Publication Date:   18 March 2020
Audience:   Adult education ,  College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Further / Higher Education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Winds of Change - A torrent of new laws and reviews; Illusions of progress; Centralisation and diversion; Transformation of courts and benches. 2. JPs in Recession - Independence under threat; Reduced power, influence and status; Local justice abandoned; 3. Justice in a Moral Vacuum - Freedom, democracy and justice; Changed attitudes and standards; Reduced respect for law and honesty; 4. National Dilemma - Failure of prevention and deterrence; Discordant public opinion; Confinement versus freedom; No perfect answers; 5. Lawyers: Allies or Rivals? - Justices' clerks and their successors; Lawyer justice is not peer justice; District judges are not lay justices; Threat to the lay magistracy; 6. Fallible Juries - Them and us; Weaknesses of the jury system; Miscarriages of justice; 7. Trustworthy Justices - Good and lawful citizens; Merit and selection; Recruitment, employment and appointment; Training; 8. Public and Personal - Standards and public service; On and off duty; Diversity and representation; 9. Bouquets and Brickbats - A jewel beyond price, or a bunch of amateurs?; The cornerstone of our society; Undeserved criticism; Amateur, unrepresentative and 'out of touch'; White, too old, too middle-class ...; 'Muddled' magistrates and 'repellent' lawyers; 10. A Great National Institution - Independent authority; Respect and appreciation; The people's court; Good value for the nation; 11. Whither Lay Justice? - Missing the point; Safeguarding the lay magistracy; Stop dismantling; start rebuilding; Questions for the future; 12. Voice of the Magistracy - Pioneer of training and guidelines; Influence and reputation; Appendix to Chapter 12: Chairmen of the Magistrates Association (1962-2020). Some Key Sources. Index.

Reviews

'I have read just about everything relating to the English lay magistracy; your book is a worthy addition to that material, and came like a breath of fresh air. I believe it will probably become a definitive work'-- Dr Alan Forbes JP, Former bench chairman; 'I thought your book was excellent, and stands in marked contrast to the unfair and rather biased portrayal of the magistracy in books such as The Secret Barrister ...... It appeared at just the time when we need wider understanding of the value we bring, and the real value of timely and effective local justice'-- Lt Col John R. Stroud-Turp JP, West London bench; 'A well-paced, readable and compelling narrative on the recent history of the local administration of summary justice and the fast-changing role, influence and functions of magistrates.'-- Mike Guilfoyle, retired member of Napo and magistrate (from Probation Journal).

Author Information

John Hosking combined a lifetime in business with service as a justice of the peace. Chairman of the nationwide Magistrates' Association from 1987 to 1990, he is life vice-president of the Kent branch (where he served on the Ashford bench). He has acted as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant and was awarded the CBE in 1990 for services to the magistracy.

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