Holding the state to account
The FT (£) publishes a letter from Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce about the current onslaught in government legislation against the individual's ability to hold the state to account – in the Nationality and Borders Bill, the Judicial Review and Courts Bill and attempts to ditch the Human Rights Act.
She writes: "The UK government's Nationality and Borders Bill is just one of several pieces of draft legislation going through parliament whose effect would be to erode individual rights, making it harder to challenge the state through the courts."
Long delays in courts continue
The Law Society Gazette and the Press Association (PA) report our response to the latest Ministry of Justice figures on delays in the criminal courts. PA reports that in the "three months to September, it took an average of 708 days - or about a year and 11 months - from an offence taking place for the case to be completed in crown courts in England and Wales". This includes the time taken by the police to investigate and for a prosecution to be brought.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: ''Victims, witnesses and defendants are waiting too long to get the justice they deserve. The lengthy delays in trials coming to court mean a traumatised victim can be left waiting years to see their assailant locked up, while an innocent defendant can find their life in limbo while they wait to clear their name.''
You can read our press release here.
Role model
The Sun reports on I. Stephanie Boyce being shortlisted for Inspirational Role Model of the Year in the Burberry sponsored British Diversity Awards.
Remote witnessing
Today's Wills and Probate carries an editorial on the plan to extend remote witnessing of wills – something the publication asserts should be an act of last resort. The piece quotes our survey that suggests uptake of remote witnessing is low among practitioners.
You can read our press release here.
Probate fees
Which? covers news probate fees are set to rise, including our suggestion that users should be offered reimbursement for delays.
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