The consultation paper focused on the balance of sittings between the adult, family proceedings court and the youth court, seeking views on how sittings for youth and family magistrates might be split between the adult and family proceedings courts (FPCs) or youth courts.
| Consultation begins on | 21 November 2005 |
| Consultation ends on | 10 February 2006 |
| Summary of responses published on | 2 February 2007 |
This consultation paper invited suggestions as to how the balance of sittings between the adult court and the family proceedings court and/or the youth court. The consultation paper sought views on how sitting for youth magistrates and family magistrates might be split between the adult court and family proceedings courts (FPCs) or youth courts and whether magistrates should be able to specialise in family work only. The issues raised and conclusions drawn from the consultation paper are subject to further discussion between the Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor.
This report summarises the responses received to the consultation paper 'Specialisation of Family Magistrates' CP 28/05. A further paper setting out a detailed policy response will be published in due course. A total of 291 responses to the consultation paper were received.
Further copies of the consultation paper can be obtained by contacting the address below:
Peter Spence
Judicial Policy and Appointments Division
Department for Constitutional Affairs
2nd Floor, Selborne House
54-60 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6QW
Tel: 020 7210 1818
Fax: 020 7210 2613
Email: Peter Spence