Summary trial – too summary?

Abstract

On 21 July 2006, the government published Delivering Simple Speedy, Summary Justice (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2006a), which set out plans to improve the speed and effectiveness of the Magistrates’ court system. Lord Falconer, then Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, wrote in the foreword that the government's vision was to deliver a criminal justice system that deals with cases ‘fairly but as quickly as possible’. This article suggests that, whilst efficiency is in everyone's interests, according undue priority to haste may have an adverse effect on the fairness of the trial process.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter Hungerford-Welch

Peter Hungerford-Welch is Assistant Dean (Professional Programmes) at The City Law School, City University, London.