Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Record all proceedings at magistrates’ courts

Closed 145 signatures

What the petition asks

Proceedings within Magistrates Courts are not recorded. That means anything said in court is not recorded, unlike in a majority of courts. Magistrates have the power to imprison defendants for up to 6 months and without a record, defendants cannot prove issues such as perjury on oath.
The government has an obligation to ensure defendants have a right to a fair trial, which I believe should mean defendants having the ability to seek a transcript of proceedings in the event that perjury or other inconsistencies have been identified. Unless there is a recording, it is not possible to get the evidence required. This in other happens courts, such as Crown and Family (Civil), so when a Court has the ability to impose such sanctions, we believe the Right to a Fair Trial should involve recording.

Timeline

30 Jan 2024 Petition opened for signatures
29 May 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 145
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 30 Jan 2024
Closed 29 May 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.