OBV: Taking the law into our hands

Operation Black Vote is set to launch the country's first ever Magistrates Shadowing Scheme next Monday.

In association with the Lord Chancellor's Department the programme will bring together over 80 magistrates and 40 people from Black and other ethnic minority communities around the country.

The Magistrates scheme, which aims to help address the deficit of Black and other ethnic minorities within the magistracy, hopes to raise national awareness regarding the importance of a more diverse ethnic and racial mix within the judiciary.

Participants for the scheme will be drawn from the Bristol, Birmingham Bradford, Cardiff, London, Middlesex and Oldham areas.

Simon Woolley, of Operation Black Vote stated: "This scheme follows on from the success of our MP shadowing scheme which as a long term project will insure that we have a more equitable culture and inclusive democracy. As our communities play a full and positive role within the British judiciary greater confidence in the system is achieved and justice itself is enhanced".

Lee Jasper, Chair of Operation Black vote said: "In the wake of the recent inner-city uprisings we have been made painfully aware that ethnic minority alienation coupled with depravation and provocation is a recipe for disaster. Once again OBV is at the forefront of positive action to solve real problems". Start Time: 10.30 am, (please arrive earlier to set up) Monday, July 23 2001 The Lord Chancellor's Residence The River Room, Palace of Westminster Black Rod's Garden Entrance Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA

Notes for the editors:

The Operation Black Vote Shadowing Scheme is the first to specifically target ethnic minorities.