header-logo header-logo

A rank denial of justice

26 March 2014 / John Ford
Categories: Opinion , Legal aid focus
printer mail-detail

Grayling is destroying the rule of law with judicial review legal aid cuts, says John Ford

When the history of the 21st century is written, it may be seen that the banking crisis of 2008 provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the coalition to introduce major reforms which will have the effect of permanently undermining the rule of law in this country. It is a tragedy that the focus of opposition has concentrated on the effect on individual groups and their remuneration, thus allowing the serious concerns for the future of democracy and the rule of law in the UK to escape attention.

When Chris Grayling was appointed Lord Chancellor and Minister of Justice in September 2012, there was a great deal of good humoured criticism—mainly from lawyers—about his suitability for the post as a non-lawyer. But as evidence has subsequently shown, he is a very determined and resourceful politician who seems likely to get his way.

Incorrect & misleading figures

The attack on legal aid masquerades as an attempt to save money. Officials

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll