Uncovering the mysteries of the justice system

Nov 6 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

INSIDE Justice Week is under way with events across Merseyside aiming to give the public a unique glimpse into the criminal justice system.

The national event is now in its fourth year, with a full programme of events planned across the region until November 10, including opening magistrates courts to the public and the staging of mock trials at St George’s Hall.

The theme for the week is “Seeing Justice Done”.

Open days at Wirral, St Helens and South Sefton magistrates’ courts will be held during the week, and domestic violence and criminal justice agencies in Liverpool will be meeting with residents in a full day “open house”.

Merseyside Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe, chair of Merseyside Criminal Justice Board, said: “Justice matters to us all – it is the cornerstone of our society. But it only works effectively with the confidence of the public.

“Inside Justice Week opens the door and allows people behind the scenes of the system. It gives the public a chance to find out more and understand the service we strive to deliver.”

Jack Straw, the Justice Minister, said: “Many who come into con- tact with the criminal justice system do so unwillingly, for example, as a victim of crime. By opening up the system with events such as police open days and mock trials in courts, we can help people to understand its inner workings, showing how agencies and volunteers within it work together to make the system better.”

The week began yesterday with the naming of the winners of the Justice Awards – of which four of the shortlisters were from Merseyside and more information can be found at www.cjsonline.gov.uk/justiceawards.

Between today and Thursday, children from 19 Merseyside schools will participate in mock trials at St George’s Hall.

The Honourable Judges Steel, Campbell and Lynch have agreed to sit for the cases and guest defendants include DJs Billy Butler and local crime reporter Ben Rossington.

Peter Haselden, area customer service manager for Her Majesty’s Court Service, said: “This kind of hands-on approach helps to demystify the criminal justice system for young people.

“We hope also that we will raise awareness of the career opportunities within the criminal justice system and that one day some pupils will be back in court in a professional capacity.”

Other events include the opening of the following magistrates courts: Wirral (between noon and 7pm on Thursday), St Helens (between 10am and 4pm on Friday), and South Sefton (between 10am and 4pm on Saturday).

Domestic violence will be under the spotlight tomorrow as a community event aims to raise awareness.

Visitors to West Everton community council on Everton Brow will be able to meet and talk with specialists who support victims and survivors, as well as witnesses of domestic violence, and people who work with offenders will be on hand to offer their support and insight.

Event co-ordinator, Linda Melia said: “This event is a fabulous opportunity for the public to get an insight into how the criminal justice system and voluntary agencies work together.

For information on Inside Justice Week, visit www.insidejustice.cjsonline.gov.uk

vickyanderson