SOCIAL WORK AND JUDGEThe interface between social concern and the justice system should be fairly clear. I well remember a trainer during my weekend induction to the magistracy telling us that we are magistrates not social workers. However in the last decade or so new terms have entered the justice vocabulary eg rehabilitative justice……not “rehabilitation” which for a century has been one of the pillars of the system.

The Guardian has often had a lot of well written articles on crime, criminology and justice generally. Yesterday`s article on the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre is no exception. In principle I don`t agree with the philosophy of HH Mr Justice Fletcher and it seems that this so called progressive step in our treatment of offenders is going to end owing to its inefficiency and not just to unforeseen costs. One thing for sure…..Nick Herbert that arrogant Minister of State for Police and Criminal Justice will not be missed if he fails to make the cut in the forthcoming cabinet reshuffle.