Reoffending statistics
Lancashire Telegraph, Derbyshire Times, Portsmouth News, Buxton Advertiser, Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Dorset Echo and several other regional outlets continue coverage of new findings on the number of young people with criminal records that reoffend within a year.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “Reoffending is yet another issue that is impacted by systemic underfunding of the criminal justice system.
“To succeed in reducing reoffending rates, there needs to be investment in rehabilitation, particularly in relation to literacy and addiction, and support for those who have offended because of reasons connected with their mental health.
“This investment is likely to pay for itself in terms of reduced crime, reduced numbers of cases coming into the courts and reduced pressure on prisons. It needs to be one part of an overall strategy of investing effectively throughout the system to create a justice system fit for the 21st century.”
Axiom Ince fallout
Legal Business and Lawfuel cover the Law Society’s concerns that solicitors may have to pay for the fallout of Axiom Ince.
We call on the SRA to consult the solicitor profession before deciding that solicitors must pay a one-off levy.
Law Society chief executive officer Ian Jeffery said: “As the representative body for the solicitor profession, we are of course greatly concerned that our members could be asked to plug a gap of many millions of pounds in the Compensation Fund arising from the collapse of just three law firms, which were set up under atypical business models and with their own clear and inherent risks.
“We would expect the solicitor profession to be consulted before any decision is made by the SRA on its approach to these exceptional compensation questions, given that our members would be required to pay for it and it is their collective reputation at stake.”
Companies House given new powers
Solicitors Journal reports on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act giving Companies House a range of new powers.
Nick Emmerson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales said: “We welcome Companies House getting new powers, which will enable them to be more active in preventing the creation of, and shutting down, fraudulent companies.
“These powers should help to give people more confidence that companies have put correct information onto the register.
“We look forward to working with Companies House to make sure that the powers introduced are effective in minimising fraud, but at the same time they do not put onerous burdens onto legitimate businesses.”
Pro Bono Week 2023
Pro Bono Week 2023 is due to start next week, on Monday 6 November, Today's Conveyancer reports.
“The Law Society is once again happy to be taking part in a celebration that amplifies those involved in pro bono work and encourages other members of the legal profession to join. Pro bono has a huge impact on the lives of others by ensuring that people have access to justice no matter what their circumstances may be,” Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said.
Role of AI in legal profession
Lexis Nexis (£) reports the Law Society’s artificial intelligence regulation recommendations, as the government’s AI Safety Summit begins.
President Nick Emmerson said: “As the government prepares for its summit on AI, we are working with our members to show the benefits of AI for the legal profession.
“The legal profession plays an integral role in shaping the future of AI regulation. We recognise AI’s potential to transform lives, boost the economy and increase access to justice. However, our members need further clarity on legislation, procurement practices and how discrepancies across sectors will be mitigated to enable the profession to make the most of these technologies.”
IBA 2023
The Gazette continues coverage of IBA 2023, discussing proposals to require lawyers to consider the wider social implications of acting for clients.
Law Society council member and Gazette columnist Jonathan Goldsmith commented, in his personal capacity: “This is an international problem and if we don't deal with it ourselves, others will do it for us.”
Also worth a read:
- The impact of SLAPP lawsuits on journalists and free speech – Guardian
- How oligarchs use English courts to silence their critics – Guardian
- Lawyers’ online lives – Times (£)
- Courts must set out rules for AI evidence - Times (£)
- Role of AI for litigators – Legal Futures