Sam Townend for Bristol North West

As a victim of crime in Bristol, practising barrister and member of the Bar Council can I welcome the investment in the City's news Courts reported in the Post last week ("City's New Courts- What's the Verdict" 23.11.07).  The old courthouse which currently serves Bristol, as you rightly reported, was outdated and did not suit the purposes of the modern criminal justice system.  It reflects the improvement of Court facilities taking place across the country and is a demonstrable example of how seriously the Government takes the administration of justice.
 
Decent facilities will, as you say, make the Court a more pleasant place to work for the staff and 300 magistrates, the largest part of whom are citizens of our City working on entirely voluntary basis, which is deserved and needed.  As with the improvement of facilities in any workplace the changes will improve morale and productivity.  
 
However, the importance of the change is directly in relation to the efficient and effective administration of justice.  Modern and proper facilities will allow cases to be dealt with more quickly.  The design provides for more defendants to come through custody and into court and more speedily.  Video link facilities will make the carrying out of trials of sexual offences, family and youth matters easier, again improving the number of cases that can be dealt with at one time.  Probation and magistrates staff being under the same roof will also have improved effects on productivity.  The capacity of the Court has also expanded and security improved.
 
A modern court also says to both victims/witnesses and those charged, whether they are guilty or ultimately found innocent, that society takes seriously the crime committed, the process of trial and the sentence.  The process of a trial is important both in the prospects of a victim of crime in recovering from the violation that has been committed against them and in the chances of a criminal understanding the magnitude of what they have done.
 
I know that the costs of the facility has over-run, but, as with the Wembley Stadium, because of the way it has been financed, through a particular form of private finance initiative, the risk was taken by the developer and it will not cost the taxpayer a penny more than was agreed many years ago. 
 
This new Court will stand as a living and working example of how important we regard tackling crime in Bristol and is to be welcomed.
 
Sam Townend
Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for Bristol North West