Norfolk's local magistrates courts have closed over the decades

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 08:15 · Archive

Most market towns across Norfolk once had magistrates courts; today cases must be heard in larger centres.

Most market towns across Norfolk once had their own magistrates courts where cases could be heard locally. Towns including East Harling, Diss, Long Stratton, Wymondham, Cromer and Thetford all had courts where those who broke the law would appear before local magistrates within weeks. Cases that required it were sent to quarter sessions or assizes.

The courts employed local clerks and dealt with cases efficiently. Diss magistrates court was held at the Corn Hall, whilst Long Stratton had a court clerk. Juvenile courts also operated, providing care and attention to younger offenders who appeared before them.

Today those local courts are gone. People now must travel to Norwich, Great Yarmouth or King's Lynn to have cases heard, making it difficult for some to attend. The closure of local courts has also meant that cases may take longer to be dealt with than they did when courts operated in market towns across the county.

How it is being reported

• Looking back to the days when so many Norfolk towns had a courtAll stand.Eastern Daily Press · 24 Oct, 07:25
• Looking back to the days when so many Norfolk towns had a courtAll stand.Norwich Evening News · 24 Oct, 07:25

In this story: Norfolk · East Harling · Diss · Long Stratton · Wymondham · Cromer · Thetford · Norwich

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