Swift attention on the case of speeding drivers
Sep 21st, 2009 by admin
As courts continue to get ramped up with speeding drivers who are contesting the fines slapped on them, State Attorney General Michael Atkinson has recently announced improvements being done on the justice process. This move has brought about doubling the number of special justices of piece and broadening the authorities that would enable them to hear more cases and finally get rid of these speeding fine contest cases out of their system.
On an interview made with the Secretary General, he said that letting these special justices enjoy a broader scope of authority to cover other minor cases such as uncontested applications and procedural matters would eventually give the magistrates more time to hear graver criminal offences. The move is seen to give better results for crime victims and widen the reach of access to the law.
Under the broadened scope of authority, special justices may now hear cases that may result in jail time and eventually refer these cases to the magistrates if they feel that a term is required. They are also being given an additional 126 sitting days for the next fiscal year which is a 50% increase from their previous sitting day allocation.
Maximum penalty has been increased to $2500 and taking charge of cases where a person decides to contest a fine. Other uncontested applications will now be allowed to be heard by the special justices to include applications for bail and other bail variations.
Although only 1% of the people getting fined do go to court to contest their fines, the annual number of these people who do go to court reaches about 3000 in a year. Minor as the case may be, this has brought about delays in courts which takes its toll on hearing cases that are more grave in nature.
According to Michael O’Connell, Victims of Crime commissioner, this new move taken on by the justice department would allow the the justices to look into more serious cases that are at hand. The longer the delays that the court has to go through brings in a huge impact on witnesses and victims as the witnesses’ memories tend to fade and victims feel that their right to justice is being set aside.
Everyone is at high hopes that this move will eventually bring an end to their prolonged agony of seeking justice and get things done much faster.
I want to say – thank you for this!
I hate speeding drivers. we should expect the proportion exceeding the speed limit not to vary with road type. I hope your move will get success. Thank you!