The potential for developing specialist
courts dedicated to tackling complex cases, such as domestic abuse, is being
examined by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
According to The Centre for Justice
Innovation, crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse are ‘often complex and
require a more sophisticated approach in order to secure prosecutions, protect
victims and ensure that justice is done. Domestic abuse victims often find
themselves jumping from forum to forum to resolve family, civil and criminal
matters that are all facets of the same underlying issue’.
If the specialist courts come into force,
the same judge will sit in both criminal and civil aspects of domestic abuse
cases to ensure judicial continuity and faster processing of trials.
In the US, where the latest model is being
piloted, it has led to increased convictions and witness participation, lower
re-offending, more effectiveenforcement of protection orders and reduced
case-processing times.
Endorsing the proposal, justice secretary
Michael Gove said that he was ‘impressed’ by the potential of
problem-solving courts ‘to contribute to crime reduction and personal
redemption’ during a recent visit to the US. He further said that he and the
Lord Chief Justice have discussed how they can learn from the experience
of problem-solving courts in other jurisdictions and they are both keen to look
at what more can be done in this area.
The need for specialist courts in UK has
been recognised for some-time now, assert Curry Popeck Solicitors. The development of specialist courts would
strengthen thejudicial system and would ensure fairness and faster judgement.
The formation of specialist courts aims to
modernise the judicial system in the UK and promises to deliver
faster justice. Curry Popeck Solicitors welcomes the proposal.
Our team of highly experienced solicitors,
led by Philip Popeck and Lionel Curry provide tailored solutions to all legal issues
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and corporate entities, our team of experts have the expertise to achieve the
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