Courting community

Government plans to work with US pioneers of community justice courts, targeted at preventative measures and solving social problems, have this week received a cautious backing from solicitors - although they have warned that the initiative must be properly funded if it is to work.

Home Secretary David Blunkett unveiled the proposals after visiting Brooklyn's Red Hook community court, which covers both civil matters and crime, and is one of two projects established in New York by the Centre for Court Innovation (CCI).

Both courts have led to a drop in street crime and anti-social behaviour, and house services aimed at preventing problems such as drug abuse, poverty, and domestic violence through counselling, medical facilities, mediation and training.

They also provide for community restitution sentences such as painting over graffiti and planting trees.

CCI chiefs will now work with the government to set up a series of similar pilot projects across England and Wales.

Rodney Warren, chairman of the Law Society's access to justice committee and director of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association, welcomed the plans but urged the government to back them up with adequate resources.

'Any idea that helps make society a safer place must be looked into,' he said.

'However, I would have to caution against the idea that what works in New York will automatically work over here - just look at what happened with the night courts.'

Meanwhile, Birkenhead Labour MP Frank Field last week introduced a Private Member's Bill providing for elected community prosecution lawyers for each Parliamentary constituency.

The Bill will receive its second reading in June.

Paula Rohan