header-logo header-logo

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

A rank denial of justice

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

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

From mowing lawns to life at the Bar: Stephen Ward reflects on an unconventional career

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Commercial property partner joins Clarke Willmott in Southampton

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Robert Tiffen joins Ellisons as Partner in growing Norwich office

NEWS
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

back-to-top-scroll