Riots may inspire ‘new type of justice’

A new form of “neighbourhood justice” could emerge out of the way some people responded to the recent riots in cities across England, according to the Policing Minister. Extra power could be granted to magistrates and special volunteers to deal with low-level local crime, harnessing “the power of community action” displayed during the unrest, Nick Herbert said. Less serious crimes could then be punished “quickly and rigorously”. The move may even replace some out-of-court disposals such as applying fines. Speaking to police superintendents in Nottingham, Mr Herbert said: “We are exploring a role for robust restorative approaches, where offenders make amends to victims, in a new form of neighbourhood justice. The response to the riots showed us the power of community action when people come together in a shared determination to look after their streets. Neighbourhood justice could involve magistrates, returning them to a central role in their local communities, and volunteers working with the police. “This would not be an alternative to the formal criminal justice system but a carefully guarded return of power and responsibility to communities to resolve less serious crimes quickly and rigorously.” We have one of the leading teams of criminal law specialists in West London and the South East. If you are facing a serious criminal charge, you can contact a member of the IBB’s Criminal Defence team: call us on 08456 381381 or email criminaldefence@ibblaw.co.uk.