LibDems plan shake-up of criminal justice system

22 Aug 02
The Liberal Democrats are to unveil a package of criminal justice polices at their annual conference next month, including the creation of a new Ministry of Justice to replace the Lord Chancellor's Department and retaining semi-retired police officers in.

23 August 2002

The Liberal Democrats are to unveil a package of criminal justice polices at their annual conference next month, including the creation of a new Ministry of Justice to replace the Lord Chancellor's Department and retaining semi-retired police officers in the community.

The party, due to hold its conference in Brighton on September 22 to 26, is again to focus heavily on public services but will also use its platform to attack Labour's criminal justice policies.

Some of its proposals are aimed at cutting the number of offenders sent to prison.

According to its draft agenda, the party proposes abolishing criminal penalties for minor offences such as non-payment of TV licences.

It also wants juries and magistrates to be more representative of the community and suggests tightening loopholes which allow people to avoid jury service. The party says its will also oppose 'the excessive proposals' in the Police Reform Bill, notably allowing the home secretary to intervene in the police service.

The LibDems will also reveal their strategy for reforming the public services at the conference, the subject of an 18-month review.

Chris Huhne MEP has chaired the review, which according to a spokesman for the party will also include new ways of financing public services.

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