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13 September 2007 / John Cooper KC
Issue: 7288 / Categories: Features , Profession
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The NLJ Column

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Swift justice, although desirable, is not always the best course

Concerns have been expressed about the lack of judges available to sit in the Crown court. As a result of this shortfall, cases are being delayed as the backlog continues to grow. Whatever the reason for this shortage of judiciary, the ramifications are stark: accused people are left in a state of debilitating uncertainty as they await trial; and witnesses—be they for the prosecution or defence—face a continual and eroding pressure on their memory and recollection which can only partially be dealt with by reference to their written statements.

But the delay in bringing a case to court, with all its inherent dangers, is not a new problem. It has been prevalent in the coroner’s court for decades.

CORONIAL JUSTICE

Often, and unfairly, seen as the ugly sister to the more glamorous Crown court, coronial justice has been starved of funding and the will to reform for years. Only now, Harriet Harman promises us a new Bill to overhaul the inquest system—and not

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