THE - JUSTICE OF THE PEACE [To the : Editor of True
SPECTATOR.] Sin,-Lack of space prevents me from dealing with all the points raised by your correspondent, J. H. Twamley, of Bedford, but there are two of his observations which should not go unchallenged. He puts forward as evidence that the standard of justice in the Courts of Summary Jurisdiction ..ta high, the fact that few persons exercise their right of , appeal to Quarter Sessions. He should know that although a convicted person can appeal from Assizes or Quarter Sessions to the Court of Criminal Appeal for nothing, an appellant from the Court of Summary Jurisdiction to Quarter Sessions must furnish sureties of sums averaging about fifty pounds. What poor person can do that ? The fact that out of 267 appeals to Quarter Sessions in 1930, the conviction was quashed in no fewer than seventy-four cases and the sentence modified in eighty-one others should under- mine Mr. Twamley's complacency. Mr, Twantley also cites, as further evidence that accused persons are satisfied with the justice administered in the Courts of Summary Jurisdiction, that they seldom exercise their right to trial by jury. But what is the alternative to summary trial ? A delay of anything up to six weeks while' 'awaiting trial, during which they may be held in custody, since bail in such circumstances is often unreasonably refused or fixed at sums beyond the capacity of the accused to find. Is it to be- wondered at that accused persons decide " to get it over," though I have spoken to many who had reason to regret it.
May I add that in my view, reform of the Magistrates' Court lies not in abolishing the lay justices in favour of stipendiaries, but in improving the methods of appointing justices and in providing much easier facilities for appeal? But the interests of justice in this country are not helped by the suggestion that there are no evils to be remedied in the Courts Of Summary Jurisdiction. If any of your readers want further evidence, they should read English Justice, by " Solicitor " (Routledge). Even if they do not agree with nine-tenths of that indictment they must still feel that the need for reform is urgent.—I am, Sir,. &c., E. ROY Csr.vrarr..
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