§ Mr. GrieveTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs on what basis the Home Secretary instructs judges to hold meetings with the public on their work. [159348]
§ Mr. LeslieMy right hon. friend the Home Secretary has not instructed the judiciary to hold meetings with the public. He and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State, hold the view that everyone involved in the criminal justice system should engage closely with local communities, including judges and other members of the judiciary. Judges and magistrates already participate in court open days, court user groups and 565W work with schools. Through the Magistrates in the Community initiative, magistrates meet the community organisations across the country to discuss developments in the criminal justice system; and, with probation officers, have held similar meetings to explain and discuss community sentences. They will also be involved in the Courts Boards established under the new Unified Courts Administration to build better links between courts and the communities they serve.