Rapid investment needed to tackle unacceptable court delays
The Public Accounts Committee today published a report questioning the UK government's 'modest ambition' of cutting the number of outstanding Crown Court cases to 53,000.
Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce tells the Daily Mail, This is Money, Legal Futures and the Gazette that the report "echoes the concerns we have long been raising about the backlog plaguing our criminal courts which is leaving victims and defendants waiting too long to get the justice they deserve".
"Years of underinvestment and cuts mean there is a real risk that the capacity is simply not there in terms of solicitors and barristers, as well as judges, to do the large volume of work necessary to clear the backlog in a meaningful fashion.
"Investment is needed now across the entire criminal justice system, starting with the immediate implementation of the 15 per cent increase in criminal legal aid rates recommended in Sir Christopher Bellamy's Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid."
International Women's Day
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce spoke with BBC Radio Cornwall (from 54:02) about International Women's Day and about her own experience of being a woman in the legal profession.
Divorce reform
The Daily Mail and MSN discuss changes that will come with the introduction of no-fault divorce.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We are delighted that the divorce system – unchanged for more than 50 years – will finally be modernised to reflect the society we live in.
"'No fault' divorce will cut unnecessary conflict from the separation process – allowing couples to move on amicably."
Human Rights Act
The Gazette reports our Human Rights Act consultation response.
"Britain's international reputation as a standard bearer for justice, a champion of human rights and a stable international partner is at risk," I. Stephanie Boyce said.
"The Human Rights Act confirms and protects the rights and freedoms of people in the UK and provides robust protection in British courts."
Economic Crime Bill
Today's Conveyancer reports the government has listed its amendments to the Economic Crime Bill, which was rushed through parliament on Monday.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We welcome the introduction of the Economic Crime Bill and support the government's aim to improve transparency of property ownership in the UK and the creation of a new register for overseas entities."
LSB looks to change the status quo on competence
Today's Wills & Probate covers our response to the Legal Services Board's consultation on ongoing competence in the profession.
"It is important to us that the profession is able to demonstrate how it maintains and promotes high competence standards, so we welcome the LSB's focus in this area. There is, however, no evidence of widespread issues demonstrated by the LSB's work to date," said I. Stephanie Boyce.
Also worth a read:
- Russia-Ukraine invasion: What we know on day 14 – Guardian
- Coca-Cola, McDonalds & Starbucks stop Russian sales – BBC
- Truss admits UK has been 'slower' on Russian sanctions – FT (£)
- Putin has other 'grisly' options before he goes nuclear, says Gove – LBC
- Ernest Shackleton's lost ship Endurance found – Times (£)
- Prince Andrew pays Virginia Giuffre financial settlement – Sky News
- IWD: Hybrid working and proximity bias – Gazette