Court reforms
The Independent, Wimbledon Times, North Wales Chronicle, Darlington & Stockton Times, Law 360 (£), Solway Radio and the Gazette look at how public confidence in the justice system is at risk of being undermined due to delays in court reforms.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Reform is long overdue but mustn’t be done in a way that adds to the burden on judges, court staff, solicitors and barristers who are already overstretched. Neither should it make the long delays faced by court users worse.
“Feedback from our members has been that the speed of change and the number of changes all at once has been problematic. Technology can drive efficiency in courts, however, rolling out unfinished or untested software drives delays and costs, as we have seen with Common Platform. Completion dates of projects still in development should be adjusted so they are realistic and achievable.”
Rwanda deportation ruling
New Law Journal reports about the Court of Appeal ruling that said Home Office plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to have their claims processed is unlawful.
Law Society president Lubna Shuja said the ruling provided further evidence the government’s Illegal Migration Bill is “fatally flawed.”
“The government has only secured one removals agreement, which is with Rwanda, that has now been ruled unlawful.
“This means that at the proposed time the government plans for the bill to come into force, there will be no removals agreements in place. Regardless, Rwanda alone would not be able to accept anywhere near the number of people who would be scheduled for “removal”.
“Therefore, a large backlog of people due to be removed under the Illegal Migration Bill will build. They will be left in limbo and could remain in detention or government supported accommodation indefinitely.”
New SI on Russian sanctions laid
Practice Source covers the news that the government laid its Statutory Instrument (SI) enacting legal services sanctions on Russia.
“We are supportive of all strong and effective measures which respond to Russia’s violation of international law, provided they protect the fundamental rights of access to justice and the rule of law,” said Law Society President Lubna Shuja.
“The government has taken a firm and principled stance with our international allies and partners. We will be providing continued support to the profession as it navigates the implementation of the SI.”
Cumbria duty solicitors
BBC Radio Cumbria (from 2:02:09) covers our news that the number of duty solicitors in Cumbria will fall from 25 to 20 in the next five years.
Children facing delays in family courts
Wales247 reports that the government’s latest family court statistics show children are having to wait almost a year to find out who they will be living with long term.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “Delays in cases are exacerbating the uncertainty facing families. This must be addressed before the family court system collapses.
“These delays are preventing parents from being able to see their children and could mean children are left without the stability they need to thrive.
“Restoring early legal advice for family cases would mean fewer cases would go to court. Instead, solicitors could assist negotiated settlements, refer clients to mediation and better manage client expectations.”
Climate Change Charter
LawCareers.Net reports that Bates Wells, Clyde & Co, DLA Piper, DWF, Gowling WLG, Mishcon de Reya, Osborne Clarke and Taylor Wessing have joined the Legal Charter 1.5.
The creation of the charter “represents another important step being taken by the legal profession in relation to the climate change crisis,” said Law Society President Lubna Shuja.
Cybersecurity
Ex Bulletin and Title Press looks at guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre.
President Lubna Shuja said: “This report is a timely and important resource for lawyers looking to protect their systems and data from cyber threats.”
Also worth a read:
- Inside the Rwanda legal battle – i News
- Advicenow launches urgent funds appeal – Gazette & Legal Futures
- Eight law firms make ‘gender equality’ power list – Legal Cheek
- Tory donor accused of using legal threats to suppress a report – Guardian