After the recent riots in London, some UK courts have been operating overnight to process criminal charges. With over 1,000 people arrested in London alone, there has been an unexpected strain on the legal system. Opening some courts overnight and at the weekend has lead to faster convictions.
The riots began in Tottenham in North London and quickly spread to other parts of the capital over the following days. The violence then spread to other parts of England including Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham. Crimes committed involved throwing missiles at police, smashing shop windows, looting and arson.
The courts quickly began to process the cases of the arrested individuals, much more quickly than for most criminal charges. It was decided to quickly deal with these cases, partly to make an example of the rioters while it was still in the news. One reason for this was to discourage others from doing the same by making it obvious that people will be punished for such actions.
Due to the vast numbers arrested it suddenly became necessary for several hundred people to be tried. Overnight courts have meant that some cases can be dealt with promptly so they don't drag on for months. Rioters have been seen to face justice while people are still thinking about the events that took place. Hundreds of people have gone through the court system already, very few of whom would have done had the court been operating at their usually schedule. Many are likely to face custodial sentences.
There have been convictions for a variety of offenses, including robbery, arson, violent disorder and public disorder. Those found guilty have included people from all backgrounds, with many facing sentencing at a later date. Some of those who have pleaded guilty have already been sentenced while others have been referred to the Crown Court. For these people, a more in-depth trial will take place in due course.
It has been questioned whether or not fast tracking these cases through the courts is the best way to deal with them. Some have stated that convictions are being rushed into just to get them done, without enough time to really establish the facts of the crimes of the individual concerned with each case. Some see the courts operating overnight as a way of making a point (perhaps a valid one) rather than the best way of treating a criminal case. They see it as a political decision rather than a judicial one. With overnight courts everyone, including judges, solicitors and defendants, are tired and this can contribute to the wrong decisions being made.
There is no doubt that much criminality has taken place and that those responsible must face the consequence. Although thousands of people across the country have been guilty of serious crimes, the majority of the population across the country has been quick to condemn those responsible. It is hoped that the actions taken against the guilty parties will discourage others from getting involved in similar actions in the future.
Andrew Marshall ©
Steel and Shamash are established Criminal Law Solicitors with a reputation stretching many years.
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