Courting violence analyses how the courts handle cases of physical
violence. It examines how lawyers and judges go about questioning
defendants, witnesses and victims, how testimony and physical
evidence is used, what victims, witnesses and defendants think of
the trial process, and the views of lay and professional
participants about violent offences. The book is based on original
fieldwork at criminal trials and interviews with those involved. It
is known that courtroom language, and the handling of evidence,
influences the outcome of cases, and that those unfamiliar with the
courts may feel bewildered and intimidated by courtroom language
and procedures. The book examines the workings of such processes in
cases of physical violence, with careful attention to assumptions
made by lawyers, judges and others as they relate to gender, social
class, ethnicity, and people exhibiting patterns of behaviour, such
as young men who drink heavily in groups. Key findings examine lay
participants' understanding of courtroom procedure and language,
satisfaction with their ability to participate competently, and
willingness to assist the courts again. The book profiles the
frustrations caused by the restricted role granted lay participants
in trials, and reports problems concerning the experience of
minority ethnic groups. Other themes include resource problems; the
potential to improve proceedings by technological means; the role
of the police, expert witnesses and interpreters; and variations in
approaches to the judicial role. Understandings of violence are
treated as contingent and legally-reified, and victimisation as a
negotiated process. Using accessible and engaging data the book
shows readers the contemporary practice of criminal trials in the
crown courts, highlights some of the most contentious and sensitive
problems in criminal justice, and suggests improvements. It
functions both as an accessible overview of the work of the courts
and an insight into how society deals with serious crime.
General
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