(1)A justice of the peace [F1assigned to any local justice area ] F2. . . may at any time visit any prison in that [F3area] F2. . . and any prison in which a prisoner is confined in respect of an offence committed in that [F3area] F2. . . and may examine the condition of the prison and of the prisoners and enter in the visitors’ book, to be kept by the governor of the prison, any observations on the condition of the prison or any abuses.
(2)Nothing in the preceding subsection shall authorise a justice of the peace to communicate with any prisoner except on the subject of his treatment in the prison, F4....
(3)The governor of every prison shall bring any entry in the visitors’ book to the attention of the visiting committee or the board of visitors at their next visit.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 19(1) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 94(2); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)
F2Words repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70), Sch. 30
F3Words in s. 19(1) substituted (27.9.1999) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 76(2), 108(3)(c), Sch. 10 para. 21(a)(b) (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2))
F4Words in s. 19(2) repealed (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 94(3), Sch. 10; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 19(1)(3) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(4); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
S. 19(1) modified (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/674, reg. 2, Sch. Pt. II para. 5(2)(l)
S. 19(1) modified (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/675, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II para. 7(2)(l)