NCJ Number
123221
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1990) Pages: 42-51
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This document includes updates on pre-trial matters, offense and court statistics, drugs, and prison news and inspections in Great Britain.
Abstract
Efficiency in police work is emphasized, including the introduction of administrative support units and a "war on paperwork." The Right of Silence Working Party Report recommended that a suspect's silence under questioning be used to weaken defense, but that prosecution still have the burden of making its case with other evidence. The number of juveniles sent to custody was halved during an experiment of intermediate treatment, and there was a substantial increase in the number and weight of cannabis seizures which accounted largely for the highest ever levels of controlled drug seizures and offenders being recorded last year. Race-related training has been recommended for magistrates in order to promote nondiscriminatory practices and to add public confidence to the decisions made in magistrates' courts. A high rate of young adult suicide at Leeds prison prompted recommendations of a more flexible approach to bail accommodation and an effort to avoid sending young people into custody on remand.