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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 10 2008 at 4:18 PM |
In all local justice areas plans are being made to ensure that the objectives of the CJSSS (Criminal Justice: Simple, Speedy, Summary) can be met, following the successful implementation of four pilot schemes. This new initiative aims to significantly reduce delay in cases conducted before adult magistrates' courts which have been commenced by charge. A key feature of CJSSS is to ensure that the first hearing is always an effective hearing at which the defendant will be required to enter his plea. With increasing use of 'same-day' fast delivery pre-sentence reports, it is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in the number of cases disposed of at the first hearing where a guilty plea is entered.
On a not-guilty plea the court will be required to identify the issues between the parties and will expect accurate information as to witness availability. It is understood that the court will be provided with a copy of the advance information and will challenge the defence to agree evidence wherever possible and to avoid the need to call multiple witnesses. Prosecutors will be expected to anticipate any special measures, hearsay and bad character applications. There is a requirement that trials should take place between 6 to 10 weeks following first hearing. A revised Adult Criminal Case Management Framework document has been published. See [2007] SJ 1294 for an analysis of the implications of these changes for criminal defence solicitors.
Source: Boundaries, (The Practical Lawyer)
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