The last two weeks saw widespread disorder as far right protesters sought to capitalise on false media reports as to the identity of an alleged murderer. The subsequent arrests shone on a spotlight on issues the CJS is facing.
The public may have seen headlines in respect of over flowing prison systems, the prison estate is operating at nearly full capacity, with the Government having brought in new release provisions for offender convicted of non violent or sexual offences, allowing them to be released after serving 40% of their sentence in an effort to free up places.
The disorder has seen over 400 people charged, with many swiftly imprisoned. The operation has seen the CJS at its best with swift justice being meted out in an effort to quell further disorder.
There are a number of potential impacts, firstly the numbers being sent to custody will place further pressure on the prison estate. Secondly, cases often take weeks or months to come before the courts- there is a danger that prioritising these cases means other cases already on the system may have to wait longer to be heard.
Lawyers have been warning of the pressures within the system for some time, with Barristers and solicitors walking away from Legal aid work. Now that the media, and indeed Government has seen the message that can be sent out by strong and swift justice it is hoped there will be more appreciation for those working within the system. A civilised society can only be achieved with an effective CJS, people accused of crime should face trial quickly, enabling both victims and defendants to have faith in the system.
There needs to be greater investment in lawyers to prevent the haemorrhaging of talent we have currently seen, and there needs to be work done with prisons to focus on not simply incarceration, but also rehabilitation in order to reduce reconviction rates.
We hope that the disorder has now passed, but the ramifications will endure as new suspects are charged and make their way to either sentence or trial. The last few weeks have been a salutary reminder as to just how close to collapse the CJS really is.
Leader of the Midland Circuit
