Delay of Verdict

[scoobydooby]

If a case was heard in a Magistrate's court (lasted two days), can anyone give me an example of why the Magistrates may choose not to give a verdict until two weeks later? It's not that they've taken this long to reach a verdict - they've named a future date when they will deliver the verdict. This particular date is more than two weeks from the court case, so why is it going to take them so long and, if there's some confusion, how do they know they will be able to reach a verdict on this particular date? Why not just say there's a delay and they need some more time to consider the evidence???

Confused !!!!

[Paul22118]

What was the offence?

[scoobydooby]

It was a sexual offence but not rape (not that it's any nicer for anyone to have to endure!!)

[Ethel]

For social inquiry and medical reports to be done that will help them come to an appropriate sentence/

[scoobydooby]

Can we re-name this site the Ethelbank?....lol.

Forgive my ignorance but Social Inquiry? Can you explain? I think I know what that will entail but can't understand how magistrates would be able to make a decision based on anything that wasn't raised in court.

[scoobydooby]

I've just done a bit of research and it's not what I thought.........far to technical for little me to understand. Thank you anyway Ethel.

[New Judge]

Are you saying they delayed their verdict for two weeks or, as Ethel suggests, they have delayed their sentence?

[Annlinda]

After the case is heard magistrates retire to consider their verdict, this means going through a structured decision making process discussing the case for the prosecution and that of the defence and then writing down their reasons for reaching a verdict.This can take some time, Your verdict has probably been scheduled for two weeks time because this is the first available time slot to gather together the bench that heard your case, CPS, your solicitor or barrister,the legal advisor and of course having a courtroom available. If you have been bailed to appear at 10am be prepared for a wait while the mags reach their decision

[scoobydooby]

Yes, they've delayed their verdict for two weeks. That's what puzzles me.

I'm not involved in the case (as such) but was required to attend court with a prosecution witness under 18.

[Annlinda]

The court probably ran out of time to be able to reach and deliver their verdict. We don't like to sit later than 5 - 5.30pm.
Reaching a verdict can take a lot of time, all the evidence is considered and decision reached.