SRA set to increase its fining powers
The Gazette, Today's Family Lawyer, Today's Wills and Probate and Today's Conveyancer report the SRA confirmed plans to increase its fining powers from £2,000 to £25,000 are to go ahead, alongside a new system of 'fixed penalties' for lower-level breaches.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We remain of the view that increasing the SRA's fining powers by more than 12 times the current limit (representing an increase of 1150%) isn't appropriate, and our members have concerns about the SRA acting as investigator, prosecutor and judge, in potentially many more serious and significant cases which currently go before the SDT.
"The independence of the SDT from both the regulator and the profession, as well as its as clearly defined processes and transparency means that solicitors generally have more confidence in the SDT's decision-making processes."
Also covered by Legal Futures.
Law firms support new Black British civil rights group
The Gazette reports on the new Black British civil rights organisation Black Equity Organisation, noting the integral support from law firms.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "I am pleased to welcome the creation of the Black Equity Organisation, whose objectives include improving race equity in the justice system as well as in wider society. It is great to see law firms providing seed funding and offering pro bono advice.
"George Floyd's death in 2020 brought into sharp focus the discrimination black people around the world face, while Covid-19 disproportionally impacted black people economically and medically. Racism and all forms of discrimination and prejudice have no place in our justice system – or in any other aspect of society.
"We look forward to following the work Black Equity Organisation does for black people in the UK as it seeks to dismantle systemic racism and to promote equality and positive change."
Criminal trial procedures
Law Society criminal law committee chair Stuart Nolan spoke to Times Radio (from 00:19) about how criminal cases are dealt with by the courts, in the context of further charges against Sarah Everard's killer Wayne Cozens.
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