Retiring Huddersfield magistrate Eddie Jefferson’s: The law's gone soft
Oct 14 2010 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Retiring Huddersfield magistrate Eddie Jefferson’s stunning attack on legal system
AN EXPERIENCED magistrate has launched a stinging attack on the criminal justice system after quitting the Huddersfield bench.
Eddie Jefferson, 69, spoke of his disillusionment with the legal process as he retired from his post after more than 26 years.
“You feel frustrated at times,” he said.
“The feeling of the general public is that justice isn’t as sharp as it once was. I think they’re right.
“I’ll miss my colleagues, but after 26 years I’ve done my fair whack. I’m just hoping against hope that the justice system will improve.”
Mr Jefferson’s catalogue of criticisms includes:
The use of “socially acceptable jargon,” like “offender” and “inmate” instead of “criminal” and “prisoner”.
The reliance on police cautions and warnings instead of court prosecutions.
“Diktats” handed down from Government restricting the judgement of magistrates.
The ineffectiveness of anti-social behaviour orders.
Sentencing policy that sees one person fined £1,000 for dropping a cigarette and another £80 for shoplifting.
Mr Jefferson, who spent 30 years working for the NHS, moved to Meltham in 1982 and worked as chief officer of Huddersfield Health Authority.
He joined the bench two years later.
He said: “When I first became a magistrate the words ringing in our ears were punishment, deterrence and re-education.
“Punishment has been relegated. Every time someone offends, we are looking for an excuse for their behaviour, like deprivation or social poverty.
“Deterrence is never mentioned – it might disturb their human rights.
“Re-education has been replaced by rehabilitation. After 30 years in the NHS, this in my book is a term that should be used for patients.
“We are not social workers, we are magistrates.”
During his 26 years as a magistrate, Mr Jefferson was a member of several committees and spent time as chairman of the youth court.
He said political correctness has infiltrated the work of JPs.
