Skip to Content

Legal Aid update

March 2015


Solicitors attempts to overturn the governments plans to cut the number of legal aid contracts by over 60% have failed, the 60% cut represents over 1000 legal aid contracts going, which is felt will seriously affect the access to justice.

Ironically the judge at the court of appeal dismissed the appeal on the basis that the plans were legally flawed.

The concern with the cuts are that a number of firms will go out of business and access to a solicitor will be restricted, it will be interesting to see how this will work if the accused has a right to a solicitor, will they just have to wait, or just be told one is not available?

I Feel the government has got this cut wrong, access to justice is a fundamental right, in a time when we celebrate 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta, bringing the right to justice and the end to illegal imprisonment, we should be concerned about taking a step backwards, over the years many firms of solicitors have given up their legal aid contracts because the rates are so poor, now it seems the government are intent on damaging the core of the criminal legal system.

The solicitors taking the action against the government are set to consider their position and may take the case to the Supreme Court.


Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

Fraud Solicitors | Solicitors.com

Fraud Solicitors. Fraud could be described as a deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain, usually monetary...

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' laws to defeat knife crime...

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

Criminal Law

..

Totting up points on your driving Licence

Totting up points on your driving Licence.
When a driver accumulates twelve points or more in a three-year period on their driving license they are normally s..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Social Media hampering police investigations.

Its time social media worked better with the police...

Children and the Law Leaving a child at home.

There is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if..

Wilful Neglect.

Social workers could face up to five years in jail should they prove guilty of wilful neglect towards children, if consultation decides to extend the law to inc..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top