19. Aug. 2010. – 12:39:10
When there is a confluence of power and unreasonable, poorly thought out proposals from one side of a negotiating party and disharmony, obsequiousness and top down unrepresentative arrogance from the other negotiating party the result often is crass stupidity by the weaker of the two parties. Thus is the state of the Magistrates` Association. It is governed by a self serving body of people who spend without financial reward many hours on attending all kinds of meetings as much for their own aggrandisement as for the benefit of those they purport to represent. In times past many trade unions operated in a similar manner by virtue of the disinterest of the average member allowing officials to masquerade as being representatives.
On 20th January I reported that the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police had suggested that courts should be set up in the local Arndale Centre. The idea was ill conceived but the Chief had a perfect right to suggest this option. However, and this is where we were warned of the impending descent into pantomime, John Thornhill, chairman of the Magistrates Association, was quoted as saying: "We need to be taking justice to communities and it seems to me having a court in the Arndale Centre would be one way of doing it. In principle, if we can deal with things speedily and pragmatically we are happy to do that." It appears that either the Council of the Magistrates` Association was unaware of this or ignored it. In any event Mr John Howson deputy chairman repeating the suggestion has recently made a complete fool of himself, the Association he represents and magistrates in general. Apart from a change in geography this lunatic suggestion reappeared recently in many media outlets of which the London Evening Standard was just one and The Solicitors` Journal another. He endorsed the suggestion for a vacant shop premise in the Westfield shopping centre in West London to be used as a court. There are many reasons why this should be dismissed the most important of which are that at a time when courts in West London are likely to be closed the cost of ensuring a shop has the basic requirements for a court....security, offices, cells, communications etc etc etc etc is disproportionate to any benefits.
Mr Howson is now covering his tracks. He told Solicitors Journal that "it`s not likely to go anywhere....probably. But it is the sort of thing that the papers like at this time of year, it makes them appear interested in the issue. And let`s face it, we got some pretty good PR out of it." What rubbish comes with these words. Obviously Mr Howson belongs to the school of thought which believes all publicity is good publicity.
This brings into focus what happens when a top heavy organisation has reached its sell by date. The coterie at the top is exposed as a hard working self opinionated group of aged JPs working towards their metallic rewards associated with such positions. They do not represent rank and file. Until the branch representative system is subject to total overhaul this will continue. Perhaps this event will be a trigger.
When there is a confluence of power and unreasonable, poorly thought out proposals from one side of a negotiating party and disharmony, obsequiousness and top down unrepresentative arrogance from the other negotiating party the result often is crass stupidity by the weaker of the two parties. Thus is the state of the Magistrates` Association. It is governed by a self serving body of people who spend without financial reward many hours on attending all kinds of meetings as much for their own aggrandisement as for the benefit of those they purport to represent. In times past many trade unions operated in a similar manner by virtue of the disinterest of the average member allowing officials to masquerade as being representatives.
On 20th January I reported that the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police had suggested that courts should be set up in the local Arndale Centre. The idea was ill conceived but the Chief had a perfect right to suggest this option. However, and this is where we were warned of the impending descent into pantomime, John Thornhill, chairman of the Magistrates Association, was quoted as saying: "We need to be taking justice to communities and it seems to me having a court in the Arndale Centre would be one way of doing it. In principle, if we can deal with things speedily and pragmatically we are happy to do that." It appears that either the Council of the Magistrates` Association was unaware of this or ignored it. In any event Mr John Howson deputy chairman repeating the suggestion has recently made a complete fool of himself, the Association he represents and magistrates in general. Apart from a change in geography this lunatic suggestion reappeared recently in many media outlets of which the London Evening Standard was just one and The Solicitors` Journal another. He endorsed the suggestion for a vacant shop premise in the Westfield shopping centre in West London to be used as a court. There are many reasons why this should be dismissed the most important of which are that at a time when courts in West London are likely to be closed the cost of ensuring a shop has the basic requirements for a court....security, offices, cells, communications etc etc etc etc is disproportionate to any benefits.
Mr Howson is now covering his tracks. He told Solicitors Journal that "it`s not likely to go anywhere....probably. But it is the sort of thing that the papers like at this time of year, it makes them appear interested in the issue. And let`s face it, we got some pretty good PR out of it." What rubbish comes with these words. Obviously Mr Howson belongs to the school of thought which believes all publicity is good publicity.
This brings into focus what happens when a top heavy organisation has reached its sell by date. The coterie at the top is exposed as a hard working self opinionated group of aged JPs working towards their metallic rewards associated with such positions. They do not represent rank and file. Until the branch representative system is subject to total overhaul this will continue. Perhaps this event will be a trigger.
ADDENDUM 20th Aug 2010
It seems the courts in shops proposition put forward with no consultation by the Vice Chairman of the Magistrates` Association has provoked a civil war within the magistracy a body formally known for its reticence in becoming embroiled in public debate, a reticence well founded it seems judging by today`s developments.
The Bench Chairman at Selby Magistrates` Court, Ron Humphrys, has slated the nonsensical proposal. But on the other side of the fence Chairman Brian Hilton of Waltham Forest Bench has given his support. Whether these two gentlemen have taken opinion from their colleagues in advance of public statements is unknown but my guess is they have not. This absurd division……heaven knows what is going on at other Benches………is manna for the government in its efforts to close 103 courts some of which should have been closed years ago.
The Magistrates` Association does not speak for all J.P.s. About 20% don`t consider it`s worth £33 per annum membership. If this goes on that percentage of non members will certainly increase when members are asked to renew.
The Bench Chairman at Selby Magistrates` Court, Ron Humphrys, has slated the nonsensical proposal. But on the other side of the fence Chairman Brian Hilton of Waltham Forest Bench has given his support. Whether these two gentlemen have taken opinion from their colleagues in advance of public statements is unknown but my guess is they have not. This absurd division……heaven knows what is going on at other Benches………is manna for the government in its efforts to close 103 courts some of which should have been closed years ago.
The Magistrates` Association does not speak for all J.P.s. About 20% don`t consider it`s worth £33 per annum membership. If this goes on that percentage of non members will certainly increase when members are asked to renew.
SUPPLEMENTAL ADDENDUM 21st Aug 2010
It seems this monumental farce will continue to run whilst those involved attempt, probably in vain, to clear up the mess they have deposited under the feet of magistrates. John Thornhill who began this nonsense by his acquiescence in the idea as written above has issued this statement:-
You may be aware that there have been some media reports during this past week which have been detrimental to the Association. I am investigating these reports and discussing matters with the other Trustees over the weekend. I intend to come back to you early next week with a detailed response.
You may be aware that there have been some media reports during this past week which have been detrimental to the Association. I am investigating these reports and discussing matters with the other Trustees over the weekend. I intend to come back to you early next week with a detailed response.
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