Lack of tools
Sir: Auberon Waugh is quite in error in believing that the civil law only requires a finding on the balance of probability to establish contempt of a court order justify- ing imprisonment. (Another voice, 19 June). In fact, the criminal standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt is neces- sary; the difference is the speed with which the matter can be dealt with, and that you only have to satisfy one judge beyond rea- sonable doubt and not 12 jurors.
I am sorry he is not impressed by the County Courts' ability to enforce their orders. In fact, dealing with contemnors has been made more efficient recently by the introduction of new forms. The serious point is that although the County Courts now have unlimited jurisdiction and pro- duce substantial net revenue in court fees, they are quite under-resourced in terms of personnel and modern computer systems. Give us the tools and we can do the job.
Judge Paul Collins,
Wandsworth County Court, 76/8 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15
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