Opening speech at the Magistrates' Association Annual General meeting
Speech by Lord Justice Goldring, Deputy Senior Presiding Judge
14/11/2009
Lord Justice Goldring, speaking at the Magistrates’ Association AGM for the first time, looked at the difficult financial circumstances ahead for HM Courts Service, and the necessity of making changes to working practices.
He also covered topics including case management, out-of-court disposals of cases and the closure of local courts.
He concluded: “You do over 90% of the criminal cases heard in this country as a public service on behalf of your community. You have been chosen to do so because of your individual qualities. You bring to your decisions your knowledge of the world outside the law. Do not for one moment think that the [Lord Chief Justice] does not know all this and appreciate it. He would wish me to thank you for everything that you do.”
