Single Justice Procedure

– Key Recommendations and Defendant Rights

The Magistrates’ Association has published its March 2024 position statement on the Single Justice Procedure (SJP) — a system used in magistrates’ courts to deal with minor, non-imprisonable offences quickly and efficiently. The aim of SJP is to reduce backlogs while still ensuring fairness and public confidence in the justice system.

The position statement outlines 12 recommendations designed to improve transparency, support defendant engagement, and strengthen fairness in how these cases are handled. These include calls for better training for magistrates, clearer communication and paperwork, enhanced data publication, and greater attention to pleas and mitigation before cases are decided.

Clear Right to Opt Out and Attend Court

Importantly, Recommendation 12 in the document emphasises that defendants should be clearly informed of their right to opt out of the Single Justice Procedure and request a hearing in open court instead of having their case decided solely on written submissions. This is intended to ensure people understand their options and can choose a traditional court hearing if they prefer.

The SJP allows a single magistrate, supported by a legally qualified adviser, to decide certain minor offences based on written evidence and submitted pleas — but defendants always retain the right to ask for their case to be heard in person in open court.

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📄 You can read or download the full Magistrates Association position statement here: