[Pedro1]

Originally Posted by Derek S

Except you can't just check the PNC for information when you want a giggle. You need to have valid reasons for running a check on someone and if you get caught looking at things you shouldn't be you can be in *big* trouble.



Maybe it should be though. On one hand there is the whole 'No smoke without fire' where the public might think they just got off with it due to smart lawyers and loopholes and extract some street justice.
On the other hand it might be useful to show a bit more transparency in the process letting the public see what people are charged with and how its resolved. It would also let them see sentencing overall rather than just the headline cases.

Personally I think it should be more open. I'd be happy to see the courts entire business displayed which would show how many people don't turn up, have cases delayed or plead guilty at the last moment to get the reduction in sentence.

I totally agree.