A large group of Grumpy Old Men, and several Not-so-Grumpies, felt the long arm of the law recently, when they visited Nottingham Justice Centre. This is the Magistrates courts complex next to the Canal, which also includes Family courts and Tribunal cases.
Everyone managed to get through security, then we listened to a very interesting introduction from the two magistrates who hosted our visit. This included an outline of the very wide-ranging caseload of the courts, and the training needed to become a Justic of the Peace.
We then observed, in two groups, cases being heard in two courts where proceedings were in progress, one of them being in front of a District Judge, the other with Magistrates. We then had an opportunity to discuss what we had heard with the two magistrates, and to compare notes on how we would have dealt with the cases.
We all agreed that this had been an engrossing visit, and we followed it up with lunch just round the corner at the Vat & Fiddle pub.
Note for our Groups: the magistrates are willing to host further groups in the future.
John Tedstone
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