19 July 2023
Five ‘short-term fixes’ would improve the justice system and save money in the long-term, the Law Society said this week ahead of the Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk’s appearance before the Justice Select Committee.
They are: ensure there are enough judges, court staff and lawyers to do the work and courts are used to capacity rather than sitting empty; fund criminal legal aid with the recommended minimum 15% increase; restore legal aid for early advice; improve IT; and collect better data to show where investment is needed.
Law Society president Lubna Shuja warned the justice system was ‘in crisis with crumbling courtrooms, huge backlogs of cases and delays for court users and a chronic lack of personnel’.
The Law Society revealed it is already hearing reports of suspects being released because police can’t find a duty solicitor to provide representation.
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