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The August Riots

Joshua Rozenberg explores some of the most contentious legal issues to arise from the riots that hit major English cities in August.

The riots which hit England in August of this year presented the legal system with significant challenges. In this programme, Joshua Rozenberg explores how the system responded to this very unusual situation.

The programme asks why many people were refused bail and examines the sentences given to those arrested during the riots. It also explores the notion of speedy justice, and looks into proposals that the government hopes to use to make the courts quicker, even outside of emergency situations. When does rushed justice become rough justice?

CONTRIBUTORS

Nick Herbert, criminal justice minister

Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London

Joseph Wright, duty solicitor with the firm Hodge, Jones and Allen

Julian Young, defence solicitor

Richard Bristow, chairman-elect, West London Magistrates' Court

John Thornhill, chairman, Magistrates' Association

Jonathan Levav, associate professor of marketing, Stanford University

Rod Morgan, criminologist

Producer: Mike Wendling
Researcher: Lucy Proctor.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 20 Oct 2011 20:00

Broadcasts

  • Tue 18 Oct 2011 16:00
  • Thu 20 Oct 2011 20:00

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