Specialist 'Hate Case' Courts Start Work (UK)

[struggle4progress]

By Paul Watson, PA

The first magistrates’ courts dedicated to dealing with domestic violence and homophobic hate cases started operating today.

The unique courts will feature specialist teams of Crown Prosecution Service lawyers with cases heard by specially trained magistrates in County Durham and Darlington.

The CPS-led initiative is being backed by the County Durham and Darlington Criminal Justice Board which has overseen the creation of the new court network aimed at encouraging more victims of such crimes to come forward.

Portia Ragnauth, Chief Crown Prosecutor in Durham, said: “It is important to raise awareness of domestic violence and hate crimes that should have no part in our society. <snip>

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3958527