NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What is the purpose of the single justice procedure?

1. For multiple magistrates to hear a case

2. To expedite minor offences in private

3. To allow public participation in trials

4. To ensure jury involvement is required

The correct answer is: To expedite minor offences in private

The purpose of the single justice procedure is to expedite the handling of minor offences, allowing these cases to be dealt with more efficiently and in a streamlined manner. This procedure enables a single magistrate to oversee certain types of cases, typically those that are not complex and involve lower penalties. By processing minor offences privately, the single justice procedure reduces the burden on the court system, saving time and resources for both the judiciary and individuals involved. This approach helps to ensure that the legal process remains swift and accessible for less serious offences, avoiding the need for prolonged courtroom appearances. Other options do not align with the intent of the procedure; multiple magistrates hearing a case would not promote the efficiency intended, public participation contradicts the private nature of the process, and jury involvement is not a component of minor offence proceedings under this framework.