I read with interest District Judge Mildred’s not unreasonable request that those who appear before the courts should show due respect to the judge and, presumably, the court as a whole.

His comment was in relation to the family and civil courts, but the issues apply equally to the criminal courts in which I practise.

Might I suggest respect diminishes when the public cannot obtain any service from the court.

The public cannot speak to court staff by telephone or have their legitimate enquiry dealt with in person. Calls are referred to call centres, where they are held in a queue, and court offices are unstaffed or closed down.

Many court buildings are falling into disrepair, with paint peeling from the walls and heating and cooling systems broken down.

The forced overloading of listing in a so-called efficiency drive often leaves youths and their parents waiting at court for up to seven hours for a 10-minute hearing.

Court and prosecution files are often missing, despite the case being listed.

On one occasion recently, a case was adjourned in a courthouse remote from a centralised administration centre because there was no replacement toner in the court building to receive a vital document by facsimile.

Despite these long waits, the court offers little in the way of facilities.

Then, of course, there is the fact many of those who would have been entitled to legal aid, and therefore, legal representation, no longer qualify for such assistance.

The Ministry of Justice fails to appreciate that legal representatives prevent disrespect being shown towards the judge and court on a daily basis.

They do this by putting forward parties’ cases, advising on the merits of the case, and by preventing parties persisting with cases and defences that have no basis in law.

District Judge Mildred is quite right that a properly functioning justice system is a vital part of the state, but so is access to justice and equality before the court.

If the fabric of court buildings and the justice system is dilapidated, then so will the respect of the public diminish towards the judge and the court.

Graeme Hydari, consultant solicitor, Needham Poulier and Partners, member, Law Society criminal law committee, London N17