I am a criminal barrister who has been practising for ten years. During that time there has been an increasing volume of complex legislation introduced culminating in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and the impending introduction of the Criminal Procedure Rules. Against this background I find the comments of Blair to be astounding. To state that "too many people are getting away with it" implies that there is no presumption of innocence and to demand "summary justice" ignores the principle that there exists a fair and proper legal process to secure a conviction. These popularist sentiments are wholly inappropriate and represent a worrying trend for an increasingly arrogant Government obsessed with one-liners and sound bites. The Government should stop interfering with sentencing and increasingly needless and complex legislation and trust judges and those involved in the administration of justice to perform this task at properly and fairly remunerated rates. Name and address withheld

This Government has shown itself to be too eager to interfere with established principles of justice. Don't forget that the English legal system is revered enough that many other countries have adopted and retained similar systems. Yes, the process can take a long time, but if a just result is the outcome, then so be it. Much more use of community service orders should be made for non-dangerous criminals, but it should also be highly visible so that the offender is clearly doing community service and the public can see it. The embarrassment factor has been shown in studies to be an effective deterrent for many offenders, and in all cases it can be an effective way of cleaning up town centres and addressing social damage caused by vandalism. More serious violent or sexual offences should be dealt with by life without parole in cases beyond any doubt. Steve Porter, Reading

On-the-spot fines are a fantastic idea. I used to work as a witness support officer, and have seen so many petty cases trawled through the court system. So many cases collapse as witnesses to petty crimes cannot be bothered to attend court, or are too scared due to the reputation of the offender. These collapsed cases cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds, when the actual offence was relatively minor. It also costs police and CPS hours of time that could be spent dealing with more serious crimes. Our criminal justice system is not nearly tough enough on criminals, but I believe this is, at least, a step in the right direction. E.P., Birmingham

I think that on-the-spot fines and immediate punishments are the only way to deter people from petty criminal activity. By the time someone has been dragged through the courts they have probably committed more offences having had no incentive to stop. I had an egg thrown at me from a speeding car and as amusing as that may sound, I was pretty shaken as it was a direct hit to the head. I knew from the moment I spoke to the police that there would be no punishment for these thrill-seekers because it would be a waste of judicial time to go to court (in my opinion). My punishment of choice would have been a fine. For non-serious crime (like eggings!) I would suggest that a £200 on-the-spot fine would hit them where it hurts. Sophie Evans, Chichester

Most people have no idea whatsoever just how much it costs to administer and operate the justice system in this country. Of course no one wants to see the guilty go free or the innocent jailed, but the complication and sophistication of the judicial process has reached ridiculous levels. It is in the interests of so many people - in addition to those accused - to keep the system as it is; solicitors, barristers and everyone else involved make a good living out of it! Tony Blair's approach will not improve the situation. You don't tinker around the edges of a problem when it is the foundation that is crumbling away. Quick justice is needed and more appropriate sentencing, but this needs to be within a reformed judicial process, a process where there is no need to dress up in wigs and gowns or spend weeks preparing for a simple trial. Theatricals are for a time when we can afford them; what is needed now is action! Keith Downer, London

In the present antisocial climate I don't see any alternative but to have summary justice. That's not to say I admire Tony Blair for caring about the lives of real people. After all, the policies of his government have actively encouraged the "right on" politically correct lifestyles which produce antisocial individuals. It is simply the case that there is so much of it now that long drawn-out court cases are a luxury that communities under siege and the taxpayer cannot afford. It is all very well for judges and legal aid solicitors to harp on about individual rights, habeas corpus, etc, but it is fiddling while Rome burns. But then again these judges don't live in Rome, do they? Derek Sinclair, Dundee

Please complete the form below and your contribution will be considered for publication. Please restrict your response to 250 words maximum. It may be necessary to edit your comments. Please include your name, town/county/state of residence and e-mail.