So NL want the public to have a greater say in the handling of low level crime. Why does that proposal give me the shivers? And why am I instantly thinking ’stocks in the town centre’, ‘branding’ and lynch mob justice with Jacqui Smith, Hazel Blears and Jack Straw winding up the mob along with sharpening ye olde pitch forks.
NL are putting together a green paper for the spring 09 on this issue as part of the laughable Respect agenda.
It will consider whether there should be more community courts modelled on those in north Liverpool and Salford where judges and magistrates interact with the public in premises akin to community centres, and closely follow the progress of individual offenders.
Research carried out has suggested that ‘community engagement’ would not encourage ‘vigilante activity or excessive punishments’. But I am still unnerved by these proposals and don’t feel in the least reassured. How objective will these ‘community courts’ be? Will it be based on evidence? Will the person face their own community? This could have serious implications for civil liberties and an erosion of fair justice.
Though Jacqui Smith welcomes community payback being decided by local people.
These proposals originated from Louise Casey (Home Office’s neighbourhood crime and justice group) which also included identifiable uniforms for those carrying out community service and a commissioner for victims. These have been accepted by NL.
And just a brief reminder of who Louise Casey is/was…..’homelessness tsar’ (late 1990s). Embracing the perncious NL ideology that attacks the so-called ’something for nothing’ culture. A ‘tough decision maker’ which, for me, is code for nothing more than a bully.
Instead of looking at the underlying reasons of crime, NL prefer the short, sharp, shock authoritarian treatment. More punishments, disproportionate ‘justice’ and understanding a lot less and condemning a whole lot more….
January 3, 2009 at 1:10 am |
Let’s not forget Casey’s macho bragging about getting drunk… at a meeting of Chief Police officers!
If the plans are about restorative justice – schemes which allow victims to explain how much they have been hurt, and in so doing help offenders realise the effects of their behaviour – we should welcome them.
But I share your fear that the plans will mean further erosion of basic principles of evidence, trial by jury, etc.
January 5, 2009 at 2:26 am |
[...] Harpy Marx is worried by government plans to give the public more say in the punishment of minor crimes. On the same question, The Daily (Maybe) suggests flogging may be the new vote winner. [...]