Bexhill & District Probus Club

'ONE of the best', was the verdict on Kenneth Ashmore's talk on the English criminal justice system as seen through eyes of a local JP.

From these comments it was obvious that our first speaker for 2009 was very well received by the 24 members and guests present at the meeting on January 22.

Kenneth started with a brief history of the magisterial system from its inception in 1361 to the present day, and how in recent years through the Magistrates In The Community scheme, the system had been better explained to the general public.

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He continued by detailing the many other changes which had also taken place, especially with regard to the selection of magistrates.

Formerly from a relatively small base to the present system whereby selection is open to anyone from the ages of 18 to 65.

Also that today unlike in the past, magistrates are required to undergo training and their court appearances are regularly assessed.

The talk continued with details of the categories of criminal offences - indictable, lesser indictable and lesser offences.

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The first being tried at the crown courts and the others at the magistrate courts except for some lesser indictable crimes at the crown courts.

For example, during 2007 out of some 6,000,000 offences brought to court, 97% were tried at Magistrates Courts leaving only 3% for the Crown Courts.

To conclude his talk Kenneth had intended to present a series of actual cases brought to court and to ask members for their views on the verdicts.

Unfortunately the clock beat him this time and the meeting had to be reluctantly closed by the chairman after a vote of thanks was proposed by Ron Skipworth.

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However, as Kenneth had taken questions during his talk, members had plenty of opportunities to air their views on the apparent inconsistencies of our legal system!

Such was the appreciation shown by all present that it was agreed that the speaker should be asked to return at the earliest opportunity.

Our next meeting on February 26 will be the AGM when after the formal business is concluded members will be invited to give talks on their chosen subject. Remember, the more speakers coming forward the less time you will be required to talk!

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