Shambolic state of court infrastructure
The Evening Standard, Newsweek, Yahoo UK, Canada Today, Bellingham Herald and numerous regional and international outlets report our reaction to the shambolic state of court infrastructure, after part of the ceiling collapsed at an Inner London Crown Court.
President Lubna Shuja said: “We have long highlighted the dismal state of courts across the country, including Snaresbrook and Inner London.
“Our court estate is literally falling apart. These problems must be taken seriously by the government right now.
“Urgent investment is needed immediately to ensure we have courts that are fit-for-purpose. Otherwise, the shambolic state of many of our courts will continue to add to further delays at a time when the courts are overwhelmed with record backlogs of cases.”
Criminal court backlog
The Telegraph (£), Evening Standard, Mirror and Solicitors Journal cover new figures that show an increase in criminal court delays, as the backlog hits a record high of 65,000 criminal cases.
President Lubna Shuja said: “The long delays faced by victims and defendants in our courts are simply unacceptable and the Government is failing to tackle the crisis. The entire criminal justice system is fracturing. There are crumbling courts, overwhelmed prisons and a chronic shortage of lawyers and judges.”
Lasting powers of attorney
Today’s Wills & Probate looks at digitising the process for obtaining lasting powers of attorney, with lawyers concerned it may increase risks to vulnerable people and worsen delays.
President Lubna Shuja emphasises the importance of maintaining a paper route alongside digital processes, highlighting challenges faced by individuals in care homes or hospitals and the 1.5 million homes without internet access.
Tributes to Elizabeth Cruickshank
Times Brief pays tribute to Elizabeth Cruickshank, who chaired the Association of Women’s Solicitors.
President Lubna Shuja said: “Elizabeth was a pivotal voice in writing about the lives and experiences of women solicitors. Her legacy is that the contributions she made will continue to serve as an inspiration for the next 100 years of women in law.”
Also worth a read:
- SRA board members receive major pay rise – Gazette
- Conveyancing Association launches future digital conveyancing protocol – Legal Futures
- Immigration lawyers debunk Suella Braverman’s recent comments about global asylum treaties – Guardian
- Law firm data breaches could put domestic abuse victims at risk – Legal Futures
- Debate on tougher approach to crime rises, in wake of increased prison overcrowding – Guardian