Information For A Judge

[Khandro]

How much information on a defendant's profile is available to a judge before proceedings commence? I ask because I remember a retired judge saying that that though Jewish people enjoy a drink as much as anyone else, in all the years at the bench he had never had a Jew brought before him for being drunk and disorderly.

I mentioned this in conversation and someone asked "How did he know if they were Jewish?". I don't know, and wondered if such information would appear on a charge sheet, or whatever it is that is available to him/her.

[dannyk13]

He may get his information from one who takes the oath. Jewish people swear on a copy of the old testament.

[Svejk]

Perhaps the defendants name was Finkelstein or somesuch.
How are you, Khandro, haven't noticed you posting for a while.

[Svejk]

Sorry, misread your question. I thought he'd had 1 Jewish D/D case.

[TheChair]

Wouldn't it be a bit over the top for a judge to be hearing a drunk and disorderly case? I'd have thought that would be dealt with by a magistrate.

[New Judge]

Drunk & Disorderly is a "Summary Only" offence and would not come before a judge unless in was subject to an appeal from the Magistrates' Court to the Crown Court. I doubt there are many such appeals. The exception would be if the judge were a District Judge (Magistrates Courts). These judges sit alone on the Bench in a Magistrates' Court and hear the same range of cases as do a bench of three "lay" Magistrates.

I don't know of any provision to provide a defendant's religion to the judge (or indeed anybody else) before proceedings commence and it would only be revealed during the case if it was relevant.

[Khandro]

Thanks NJ. It was a long tune ago and may it was a retired magistrate.

[EDDIE51]

I would imagine a Jewish man would wear traditional dress in court out of respect. Could this be a factor?

[retrocop]

I remember a story about an East End pub that was to celebrate it's centenary. All drinks would be offered for the day at the same price as when first opened, Beer was a penny a pint and shorts 3p.
The pub was packed on the day with happy imbibers. A stranger said to the Mine Host," Who are those two old boys sitting in the corner not drinking?"
The owner replies, "Oh they are a couple of our regulars from the Jewish community.They are waiting for Happy Hour"

[Khandro]

retro :0). NJ. for 'long tune' please read 'long time'. - It was sent using the tiny keyboard on my smart phone.