19 Right of justice to visit prison.E+W
(1)A justice of the peace for any [F1commission area] . . . F2 may at any time visit any prison in that [F1area] . . . F2 and any prison in which a prisoner is confined in respect of an offence committed in that [F1area] . . . 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, or to visit any prisoner under sentence of death.
(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 (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))
F2Words repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70), Sch. 30
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)