One more step towards a Police State.

Criminal law seems to be going to hell in a handcart. The latest brilliant idea is that we should extend the already unacceptable concept of the fixed penalty notice, and wherever possible dispense with the courts and hearings based on evidence altogether. In future you'll be given a choice - admit your guilt and accept a fixed fine, or go to court and risk a much bigger fine if you are found guilty. Why is this bad - how long have you got? But just for starters it turns the burden of proof completely on its head, it puts totally unfair pressure on people to make a decision based on financial rather than legal considerations, and will almost certainly result in people admitting guilt when in fact in law they may well be not guilty. It is the most deplorable idea.