Lawyers Oppose Criminal Law Reforms

Tue, 23 Jun 2009

Lawyers have branded government proposals to introduce competition laws for criminal defence work as ‘savage’ and even ‘unlawful’. The measures form part of a greater plan to change the current system, and would replace the current system of law firms being paid for legal aid work on a case by case basis. Instead, legal firms would bid for contracts in blocks, and unsuccessful bidders would be unable to provide criminal defence services .

However, lawyers fear that the proposals would ‘savagely reduce’ the number of legal firms in the field, and may even be unlawful in their impact on minority lawyers. Desmond Browne QC, the chair of the Bar Council, claimed that solicitors and barristers were both staunchly opposed to the reforms, which he claims would harm the prospects of black and ethnic minority lawyers. Mr Browne QC also voiced his belief that the measures would lessen standards, increase the number of appeals and increase the legal costs of each case.

The government’s consultation over the proposals ended on Friday, with solicitors submitting a 5,000 strong petition on the Number 10 website, claiming the reforms would drive firms out of business, affect the socially excluded and undermine equality.
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