Criminal Justice Simple, Speedy, Summary
Criminal Justice Simple, Speedy, Summary Justice (CJSSS)
In July 2006, the Government published 'Delivering Simple, Speedy, Summary Justice' which outlined plans to radically improve the speed and effectiveness of magistrates' courts in England and Wales. Since then, successful pilots have been held in Conventry, West Cumbria and London (Thames and Camberwell Green) and the scheme has now been fully rolled out across all areas of Derbyshire.
The pilots have demonstrated that real benefits are delivered by implementing CJSSS principles, not only to magistrates' courts but to the relevant partners as well including the police, CPS and the probation service. More importantly, the three principles below ensure that cases that are required to be heard in court are done so in the most efficient and effective manner making the process less traumatic and timely for victims and witnesses.
- Simple: cases that are best dealt with by way of warning, caution or some other effective remedy to prevent re-offending without the court process will not enter the courts.
- Speedy: those cases that need the court process will be dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with the needs of justice.
- Summary: a much more proportionate approach - for example dealing with appropriate cases the day after charge or during the same week.
As of December 2008, the above principles have been applied in the Youth Courts.
If you have any questions or queries regarding CJSSS, please contact Phillipa Sharpe on 01773 733422.