Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Jessica Lee(12 years, 6 months ago)
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Mr Djanogly
I had not heard that, but it sounds as though the hon. Gentleman could be confusing it with virtual courts, where the courtroom is extended into the police station. The defendant would be in the police station, with the defence counsel either in the police station or in the magistrates court, but the magistrates would still be in the magistrates court.
Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)
An efficient and flexible justice system was demonstrated last summer in the response to the riots by all in the Courts Service and the Crown Prosecution Service, and it is to be commended. Does my hon. Friend therefore agree that it is right that an open mind is kept as to how justice can best be administered in local communities?
Mr Djanogly
It is very important to maintain justice at the core of summary justice and in the localities. I should say that neighbourhood justice panels are not about recreating magistrates courts, because, as panels, they reach restorative outcomes by consensus; magistrates would not be exercising any judicial powers in this capacity.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Jessica Lee(13 years, 2 months ago)
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Mr Djanogly
I shall listen to the circumstances of my hon. Friend’s case, but it might be one for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills rather than the Ministry of Justice. If it is relevant to my Department, however, I will be happy to meet him.
Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)
2. What recent progress he has made in making prisoners work while in custody; and if he will make a statement.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Jessica Lee(13 years, 7 months ago)
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Mr Djanogly
It is interesting that the hon. Gentleman mentions social welfare and misses criminal legal aid, because when it comes to eligibility and defining who is vulnerable, it was the previous Government who decided that criminal legal aid would be means-tested. We are not addressing that, but in relation to civil legal aid, yes, we do believe that the eligibility tests need to be looked at, and that is what we are doing.
Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)
9. Which organisations he has met to discuss the draft Defamation Bill.