Law Society helps secure access to justice win
The Gazette, Business Fast and China Law Info report the Law Society has welcomed the government's decision to remove a controversial element of its judicial review reforms that could have weakened judicial discretion over remedies.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "If the state is found by an independent court to have done something wrong it's important the judge has discretion to make good in a way that fits the specifics of the case.
"With the government's concession, people who are the victim of an unlawful state action will continue to be able to seek justice on a level playing field.
"I am pleased that the government has listened to experts in this area of law and heeded our call to remove the presumption from the bill. This would have severely curtailed judges' discretion."
Criminal legal aid solicitors may decline work
City AM and the Gazette report criminal legal aid solicitors could decline to take on poorly remunerated cases such as burglary until the government significantly improves its fee reform package.
The Law Society's head of justice Richard Miller said: "If as a business you take the view that burglary cases are simply not viable, that's absolutely fine. That's your right as economic entities to do that."
MP report warns of threat to justice
The Gazette notes a justice committee report says the maintenance backlog in the court estate is a serious problem, with far too many courtrooms frequently unavailable, with a knock-on effect on capacity and the functioning of the justice system.
We said that unacceptable delays will continue across the justice system without sustained and significant investment.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "This report shines a light on the shameful state of our justice system. Decades of underfunding and cuts mean there simply aren't enough judges, prosecutors defence lawyers and court staff left to cover the huge backlog of cases."
Legal aid cuts impact victims of sexual violence
Cris McCurley, a member of our access to justice committee, spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle (from 3:42:27) about how cuts to legal aid funding have led to significant waits for victims of sexual violence.
Ask a Solicitor
As part of our Ask a Solicitor series, Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, spoke to BBC Radio Stoke (from 1:40:09) about your rights if your flight is cancelled
Holly Miéville Hawkins, a member of our wills and equity committee, spoke to BBC Radio Devon (from 13:00) about lasting powers of attorney.
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