Current Initiatives
CJSSS (Criminal Justice Simple, Speedy, Summary)
CJSSS is a new way of working to use a simpler set of processes and procedures and has been successfully piloted in Magistrates’ courts. CJSSS aims to improve the way cases are managed and dealt with, focusing on the methods that make the justice system work well.
In pilot areas this has led to improved prosecution preparation for first hearing. The Crown Prosecution Service and the police are working together to ensure all relevant details are included in the advance information file and that the defence is ready for the first hearing. It has also led to a reduction in requests for adjournments which helps ensure a quicker, simpler process for victims and witnesses. Hearings have become more effective. Through advance reading of the papers, judges, magistrates and legal advisers will be able to press for a plea, if appropriate, to be entered there and then. And in contested cases, they will be in a position to provide directions and identify key issues and fix a date for trial. This makes the best possible use of the court’s time. After the first hearing, if ithe matter is not resolved, regular meetings between the designated case progression officers in each agency can ensure that the issues identified at first hearing are being dealt with as much as possible in advance of the second hearing. This will help ensure trials to take place on time, without delay.
Sussex has now implemented CJSSS across its 4 local justice areas. Local Performance Groups (LPGs) meet regularly to ensure that the new system beds in and continues to produce the required efficiencies and improved service.
It is planned that CJSSS will be expanded to include the Youth Courts during 2008.
CONDITIONAL CAUTIONING
The conditional caution scheme aims to divert lower level offenders from court and has proved effective in addressing the needs of both victims and offenders, allowing swift and appropriate resolutions. The Conditions applied are aimed at rehabilitation (addressing the offender’s behaviour) and/or reparation (making good the harm the offender has caused) and may include restorative justice processes. Conditional cautions are not aimed at contested or more serious cases, or at prolific or serious offenders, for whom Court is the right forum for deliberation and adjudication. National roll-out of the existing conditional cautioning scheme has commenced.