Counsel Magazine

THE Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association have voiced their concerns over the Coroners and Justice Bill, which receives its Second Reading in the House of Commons. A briefing sent to parliamentarians set out concerns in a number of key areas including:

• Homicide and suicide
• Coroners
• The Sentencing Council
• Special measures
•  Anonymity

While the Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association welcome changes to the law in these areas, they remain concerned that the Bill has failed to address a number of issues which could have profound unintended consequences.