Criminal legal aid
The New Law Journal covers Sir Christopher Bellamy's report on criminal legal aid.
"Hundreds of criminal legal aid firms have shut their doors over the past decade with no significant increase in criminal legal aid remuneration rates since 1996," said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce.
"We recognise this proposed uplift in funding does not undo all the damage of those 25 years and echo Sir Christopher's view that it is the "minimum necessary" first step."
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Safety in courts and police stations
The Gazette reports on measures to try to prevent the spread of the omicron variant including practitioners being reminded to wear face masks in court.
The piece repeats our concerns about a request to revert to police station advice being given remotely being rejected by police.
Our concerns are covered in more detail in an earlier Gazette story and by the Solicitors Journal.
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Remote hearings
A HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) report on remote hearings during the pandemic is covered by Today's Wills & Probate.
"It is particularly concerning to see that around three in five judicial respondents and just over half of legal representatives responding to HMCTS felt that remote hearings impacted their health and well-being, given that we know legal professionals are overstretched and under immense pressure," said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce.
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Gender recognition laws
The BBC reports that MPs have urged 'outdated' gender recognition laws be amended. Our head of Diversity & Inclusion, Sally Brett, is mentioned in the MPs' report.
Also worth a read:
- Covid: Isolation period cut from 10 to seven days – Guardian
- Asylum seeker boat crossings not illegal – Independent
- Dubai divorce settlement – Guardian
- Ground rent commitment made by housebuilder – BBC