FOI - Judges names and court area

[Farmer]

1. While in court and a trial is commencing, does a judge have to tell the defendant what their name is when asked?

2. While in court and a hearing is commencing, does a magistrate have to tell the defendant what their name is when asked?

3. With regard to question 2, is this also the case where a council (local authority) has hired a court to get an order for council tax payment?

4. In what area of a court room does one have to be to be in attendance whether before a judge or a magistrate?

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/judges_names_and_court_area#outgoing-36724

[Farmer]

Well folks, looks like I hit a nerve. Here is the reply:

Dear Sir/Madam

Thank you for your email which has been passed to this Unit for reply.

Unfortunately I am unable to comment on any case that has gone before
the courts. I am sorry that I cannot assist you with your enquiry.

Yours faithfully

Miss Angela Lue-Taim
Caseworker

Customer Services Division|Her Majesty's Court Service|Operations and
Performance Directorate-Supporting our people, courts & processes

Customer Service Unit
1st Floor, Zone C
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ


So I replied with this:


Dear Miss Angela Lue-Taim,

I can only assume that my request has not been read correctly because nowhere in it do I ask about "any case that has gone before the courts", to quote you. They are obviously general questions not specific to any case.

Kindly give the information I have requested as you are bound by law to do.

Yours sincerely,

John Smith

[huntingross]

Dumb f*****s.....how can they misinterpret your questions other than deliberately.

[BaldBeardyDude]

Just giving themselves some thinking room...

[kevin]

Just giving themselves some thinking room...

hoping you'll say "Oh, thanks" and go away

[Phil: C]

Blatant obstruction. Angela was given the short straw - I wonder if answering a FOI request is a normal part of a case-worker's job?

[Farmer]

I guess this was bound to happen as we get closer to being able to ask the right questions.

[SharpElk]

This seems to be generic response that this Angela replies back with

I noticed this other FOI Request in the "similar requests"

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/family_court_policies#incoming-37167

[Farmer]

This seems to be generic response that this Angela replies back with

I noticed this other FOI Request in the "similar requests"

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/family_court_policies#incoming-37167

Yes, would would have a reply that says nothing, so no liability.

[Farmer]

Ok, this arrived today. They obviously do not want to answer this. This just makes me more determined. They are trying to protect their corrupt magistrates and how those courts are being used. I could use some ideas before I take this further:

Dear Mr Smith

Thank you for your email.

I am unable to assist you with your enquiry.

Yours sincerely

Miss Angela Lue-Taim
Caseworker

Customer Services Division|Her Majesty's Court Service|Operations and
Performance Directorate-Supporting our people, courts & processes

Customer Service Unit
1st Floor, Zone C
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ