A New Framework For Local Justice (No. 2)

EDM number 2573 in 1992-93, proposed by Paul Boateng on 02/11/1993.

That this House views with grave concern the Government White Paper 'A New Framework for Local Justice' and the consultative papers issued thereafter, which threaten to undermine the independence and local accountability of the Magistrates' Courts system; notes the widespread opposition to the current proposals from magistrates and justices' clerks and in particular the resolutions of the Special General Meeting of the Magistrates' Association on 9th October; affirms its opposition to the enforced amalgamation of Magistrates' Courts Committee areas; urges the Government to think again before legislating to require fixed term contracts and an extra layer of adminstration, in proposals that remain uncosted; and calls on the Government to bring forward new proposals that will increase efficiency while preserving the independence and local accountability of the magistracy and their legal advisers as the basis of the proper administration of justice.

This motion has been signed by a total of 70 MPs.