§ Vera BairdTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what training is given to district judges (crime) for dealing with(a) antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) and (b) breaches of ASBOs. [164449]
§ Mr. LeslieTraining for the professional judiciary is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board (JSB).
The JSB has not provided an) dedicated training events on ASBOs, but the programme for the core seminars for both full and part-time district judges (magistrates courts) allows scope for discussions on the issues arising in sentencing and breach of orders.
Professional judges have access to legislation and Home Office guidance relevant to this area of law, and in addition will refer to any developing law. Detailed guidance on ASBOs was issued to magistrates courts by the Home Office in November 2002. Preliminary Home Office guidance on the new Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 has been issued to all magistrates courts in January 2004.