Section Two: Working in the Court

Introduction

A courtroom is the 'tip of the iceberg' of the wide range of agencies and individuals who may have been involved with a defendant prior to their appearance.

You are in charge of the court while you are at the bench, but you are also part of the court while you are in the building but away from the courtroom itself. Your professional attitude, knowledge of the different roles, and positive relationships with others can make all the difference to the court experience for police, court staff, other Justices and defendants alike.

Reading

• Judicial JP Manual chapter 5
• Media guide for reporting the courts and tribunals

Further information can be found at this weblink:

Courts Security Act 1999

The Courts Security Act 1999 sets out the powers and functions of court security staff. Section 24 is especially pertinent to judicial Justices.