the Reality of Justice in England’s Lower Courts: Behind Bench

This accessible book provides an evaluative review of justice at the locus of the magistrates’ court. Written by a magistrate, this book uses different case studies to aid discussion of the principles of justice and the theoretical process of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Its case studies consider individual and intersecting inequalities such as sex, race, class, mental health, sexuality, age, and disability. Speaking to students, policy makers and practitioners, readers can identify opportunities where justice can be developed, as well as the challenges to justice from numerous perspectives which play out in the magistrates’ court. A series of end-of-chapter questions encourage reflection and one chapter considers recommendations for the future of justice.