I write in response to Richard Williams’s letter highlighting the ‘over-the-top’ attitude of court security staff. While I and many of my colleagues are well known at our local courts, there is a great inconsistency in the security measures undertaken. Some security guards let us through without a search, while others insist on pockets being emptied and so on. Perhaps the most annoying occurrence is the confiscation of dictaphones, which effectively prevents us from working at the court while waiting for cases to be called.A more sensible and practical approach is undoubtedly called for.

Michael Schwartz, solicitor, London NW7