NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Which case established the precedent that magistrates must be named?

1. R. v. Felixstowe Magistrates

2. R. v. London Borough Council

3. R. v. Manchester Magistrates

4. R. v. Local Authority

The correct answer is: R. v. Felixstowe Magistrates

The case that established the precedent that magistrates must be named is R. v. Felixstowe Magistrates. This ruling highlighted the importance of transparency in the judicial process and reinforced the principle that justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done. The decision underscored the necessity for the public to know the identity of magistrates involved in legal proceedings, which enhances accountability and public confidence in the legal system. In this context, the other cases listed do not primarily focus on the requirement to name magistrates, which makes them less relevant to this specific legal principle. R. v. London Borough Council, R. v. Manchester Magistrates, and R. v. Local Authority address different issues within public law and local government matters, rather than setting a precedent related to the naming of magistrates. Hence, R. v. Felixstowe Magistrates stands out as a landmark case that has significantly impacted the procedural transparency expected in magistrates' courts.