Judicial diversity
The Times (£) reports on the latest judicial diversity statistics, noting the Law Society is urging the Judicial Appointments Commission to implement a fairer recruitment process.
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Criminal legal aid: Statutory instrument laid
The Gazette covers news a statutory instrument was laid in Parliament yesterday which confirms that criminal defence solicitors will start receiving some long fought-for increases in criminal legal aid rates from the end of September, “It is positive to see some of the criminal legal aid rate increases for solicitors locked in,” said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce. “But the overall package for solicitors still only amounts to a 9% rise. This must be the foundation for further increases not the ceiling.”
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Legal aid deserts
Richard Miller, our head of justice, was on BBC Radio Shropshire discussing legal aid deserts (from 1:11:18). Richard highlighted that Shropshire does not have any legal aid providers across community care, education, housing or immigration. A recording from a previous interview with Christian Hansen, our housing committee co-chair, was played before Richard spoke.
Heatwave: Can it be legally too hot to work?
Max Winthrop, from our employment law committee, spoke to LBC (from 1:34:45) about the heatwave and what health and safety responsibilities employers have towards their employees.
Newstocheck and Yahoo! pick up an interview with Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, about employment rights in a heatwave.
Extra funding only scratches the surface
Today’s Family Lawyer reports on the Ministry of Justice pledge of £4 million for charities and organisations providing legal advice to people facing civil and family legal disputes.
“We welcome this extra funding, which will allow civil and family-focused legal charities and organisations to provide support to the public as they seek to resolve their disputes,” said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce.
“However, this financial backing only goes so far when investment in the legal aid system is so wanting.”
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Crown Court backlog
The New Law Journal looks at the latest Crown Court backlog figures.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said the backlog was falling at a “glacial pace”, leaving victims and defendants facing “unacceptable delays” in accessing justice.
Updating wedding laws
Today’s Family Lawyer covers reaction to the Law Commission’s proposals for updating wedding laws. I. Stephanie Boyce said the report “offers a much-needed opportunity to bring our marriage laws into the 21st century.”
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