27.5 C
London
HomeSector InsightsGovernmentInvestment needed to halt decline of criminal justice system

Investment needed to halt decline of criminal justice system

5 pieces of banknotes on yellow and white textile
Photo by Christopher Bill on Unsplash
lawadmin
By lawadmin

If timely access to justice for victims, witnesses and defendants is to be ensured, there can be no more hold-ups in criminal legal aid investment, warns the Law Society of England and Wales.

Sir Christopher Bellamy, chair of the Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid, gave evidence on its findings  to the House of Commons’ Justice Committee today.

He said there was “no scope for further delay” in increasing the rates for criminal defence lawyers by a minimum £135million per year.

“The independent review provides a detailed analysis of the beleaguered state of the criminal justice system and recommends swift investment as the minimum necessary ‘first step in nursing the system of criminal legal aid back to health after years of neglect’,” said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce.

“The 15% increase in criminal legal aid rates recommended in Sir Christopher’s report should be implemented immediately.

“If this does not happen, we fear that our members will leave the market at ever faster rates, which will seriously compromise the government’s ability to clear the huge backlog in the criminal courts and ensure timely justice for victims, witnesses and defendants.

“A healthy criminal legal aid profession is fundamental to efforts to level up access to justice with the early advice given by solicitors key to ensuring efficient progress of cases through the criminal justice system.

“If we continue to lose criminal defence firms and practitioners operating on high streets across the country then it is the most vulnerable in society who will suffer; those facing life-changing moments who can’t afford the legal representation they so desperately need or victims waiting years to see justice done.

“Criminal defence solicitors have been waiting 25 years for an increase, the number of criminal legal aid firms continues to fall at an alarming rate leaving parts of the country with little access to justice, and it is several years on from when the review into criminal legal aid was first announced.

“We support the measures suggested by Sir Christopher’s independent review and are keen to work with government on the detail of what will be required to implement them.”

Latest figures released show 58,728 outstanding cases in the Crown Court and 372,654 outstanding magistrates’ court cases.

There were 1,621 firms holding a criminal legal aid contract in September 2012 compared to 1,080 firms in September 2021.

 

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Previous article
How to Avoid a Summer Sporting Injury
Next article
Fee increase on the way for conveyancers

latest articles

explore more

183 COMMENTS

  167. I believe that is among the such a lot vital information for me. And i am satisfied studying your article. However should statement on few normal issues, The website taste is wonderful, the articles is truly great : D. Excellent activity, cheers

  168. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage one to continue your great posts, have a nice day!

  171. At Clockwise Antique Clocks, our unrivalled reputation is built on over 35 years of masterful horology, where every repair and restoration is carried out with the same care, authenticity, and craftsmanship the original maker intended, trusted by clients ranging from aristocracy and royalty to film, sport, and everyday collectors alike.

  173. It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  174. There are certainly a variety of details like that to take into consideration. That may be a nice point to carry up. I supply the thoughts above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up the place a very powerful factor will likely be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am certain that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each boys and girls really feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

  177. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you

  178. I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

  180. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  181. Great weblog right here! Additionally your web site quite a bit up very fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink to your host? I want my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

LawNews.co.uk provides the latest legal news and analysis from around the world

most viewed

useful links

Copyright © 2022 LawNews.co.uk