Musings and Snippets from a recently retired JP. I served for 31 years, mostly in west London. I was Chairman of my Bench for some years, and a member of the National Bench Chairmen's Forum All cases are based on real ones, but anonymised and composited. All opinions are those of one or more individuals. JPs swear to enforce the law of the land, whether or not they approve of it. Nothing on here constitutes legal advice.
Not at all bad. As explanations go, I have heard many worse, and few clearer and less contentious. The narrator's voice would not be my first choice for my SatNav, but her diction was admirably clear and her sentence structure concise and to the point. All in all, a surprisingly good summary.
Fog of ignorance is a bit strong, I think it Its more the case that peoples perceptions are that that the punishment does not fit the crime.(please don't tell me to change my newspaper again...
The original Bystander posted some excellent videos of reconstructions of cases where you were asked to assess what sentence (if any) the offender should receive. That was outstanding stuff and worth linking to with this blogpost. As far as I can recall, I sentenced less than the actual result in every instance. If everyone in the land had to do that excercise, it would do far more to dispel the so called "fog of ignorance" than this video.
So the government now wants the victims of some crimes to determine the sentence.
That will drive a coach and horses through standard sentencing across the country for the same offences.
I have often heard that on almost every occasion the public has been asked in discussions, mock trials etc. to decide on a sentence they have been less severe than a bench is likely to have been.
I am glad I am nearing the expiry date for serving as a magistrate. Otherwise I would have to seriously think about my position if this proposal is introduced. Admittedly it will initially be confined to ASBOs and community punishments but his idea could be spread to other offences and punishments.
Posts are pre-moderated. Please bear with us if this takes a little time, but the number of bores and obsessives was getting out of hand, as were the fake comments advertising rubbish.
Not at all bad. As explanations go, I have heard many worse, and few clearer and less contentious. The narrator's voice would not be my first choice for my SatNav, but her diction was admirably clear and her sentence structure concise and to the point. All in all, a surprisingly good summary.
ReplyDeleteFog of ignorance is a bit strong, I think it Its more the case that peoples perceptions are that that the punishment does not fit the crime.(please don't tell me to change my newspaper again...
ReplyDeleteThe original Bystander posted some excellent videos of reconstructions of cases where you were asked to assess what sentence (if any) the offender should receive. That was outstanding stuff and worth linking to with this blogpost. As far as I can recall, I sentenced less than the actual result in every instance. If everyone in the land had to do that excercise, it would do far more to dispel the so called "fog of ignorance" than this video.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/courts/jury-clears-army-captain-of-assaulting-british-commando-3256360.html
ReplyDeleteIt is called a Paddy wagon for a reason.... terribly non- PC I agopolize perfusely......
Jury trial so O/T but still?
So the government now wants the victims of some crimes to determine the sentence.
ReplyDeleteThat will drive a coach and horses through standard sentencing across the country for the same offences.
I have often heard that on almost every occasion the public has been asked in discussions, mock trials etc. to decide on a sentence they have been less severe than a bench is likely to have been.
I am glad I am nearing the expiry date for serving as a magistrate. Otherwise I would have to seriously think about my position if this proposal is introduced. Admittedly it will initially be confined to ASBOs and community punishments but his idea could be spread to other offences and punishments.
Delete