§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures she is taking to ensure that magistrates receive an appropriate(a) level of training and (b) guidance as to how to handle anti-social behaviour order applications, with particular reference to the standard of proof required. [105370]
§ Yvette CooperThe training of magistrates is the responsibility of Magistrates' Courts' Committees (MCCs). The Judicial Studies Board (JSB) advises my right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Chancellor on the policy for, and content of, training for lay magistrates; and on the efficiency and effectiveness with which MCCs deliver such training.
JSB training materials for lay magistrates on anti-social behaviour orders were revised in November 2002 as a result of the legislative changes introduced by the Police Reform Act 2002. These materials were issued to all MCCs and made available on the JSB web site. The training materials contain case studies that offer those using them an opportunity to explore the legal and practical issues arising in dealing with anti-social behaviour order applications including the standard of proof to be applied.