*/
MANIFESTO FOR JUSTICE PUBLISHED
Issued on behalf of: AdviceUK, The General Council of the Bar, ILEX, JUSTICE, Law Centres Federation, Legal Action Group, Legal Aid Practitioners Group, Liberty
A broad and influential coalition of eight leading legal and campaigning organisations has called on politicians to put justice centre stage in the forthcoming General Election campaign.
Publishing aManifesto for Justice, the groups – which represent consumers, lawyers and justice campaigns - have called for three principles of justice to be upheld by all those involved in the political debate.
They are:
The initiative was launched in Parliament at a cross-party event supported by the Conservative Shadow Justice Minister, Henry Bellingham MP, Lord Brennan QC, the Labour Chairman of the All Party Group for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and Lord Thomas of Gresford QC, the Liberal Democrat Frontbench Justice Spokesperson.
The Manifesto is being published when the justice system is under intense pressure from the squeeze on government spending, public
concern over crime and problems in access to civil and family justice. With a General Election only months away, the coalition has set out its concerns about the future of the justice system, and calls for a range of measures designed to strengthen justice and the rule of law, including:
The coalition is made up of AdviceUK, the Bar Council, the Institute of Legal Executives, JUSTICE, the Law Centres Federation, the Legal Action Group, the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group and Liberty.
Commenting on the publication of the Manifesto for Justice, Roger Smith, Director of JUSTICE, said:
“A robust justice system is an essential part of a good society. While we have much to be thankful for in this country – jury trial, the presumption of innocence and an independent judiciary - we must not be complacent. The Manifesto puts in writing what many feel needs to be preserved and enhanced within our judicial and legal system. It also makes practical proposals for reform, which we commend to those of all parties.”
Carol Storer, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group, said:
“The LAPG is delighted to be part of the Manifesto for Justice. The justice system is a vital part of today’s society, and we should not forget that it is designed to protect the weak and vulnerable when they need it most. Continued and ill-thought-through cuts to the legal aid budget will affect those least able to cope, and will only exacerbate the difficulty of obtaining face to face advice in those parts of the country which already have limited provision. Every member of society has the right to timely legal advice and representation, and we call on politicians of all backgrounds to support the aims and concerns set out in the Manifesto.”
Nicholas Green QC, Chairman for 2010, said:
“The Manifesto is testament to the depth of feeling and commitment displayed by consumers, campaigners and all those working within the legal system. Publicly funded lawyers work incredibly long hours, often for modest remuneration, doing all they can to represent their clients, often in the face of huge systemic difficulties. The Manifesto for Justice considers the problems which the justice system must address if it is properly to meet the needs of society and protect the most vulnerable; a document which combines the experience and insight of eight such organisations deserves attention from politicians on all sides.”
They are:
The initiative was launched in Parliament at a cross-party event supported by the Conservative Shadow Justice Minister, Henry Bellingham MP, Lord Brennan QC, the Labour Chairman of the All Party Group for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and Lord Thomas of Gresford QC, the Liberal Democrat Frontbench Justice Spokesperson.
The Manifesto is being published when the justice system is under intense pressure from the squeeze on government spending, public
concern over crime and problems in access to civil and family justice. With a General Election only months away, the coalition has set out its concerns about the future of the justice system, and calls for a range of measures designed to strengthen justice and the rule of law, including:
The coalition is made up of AdviceUK, the Bar Council, the Institute of Legal Executives, JUSTICE, the Law Centres Federation, the Legal Action Group, the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group and Liberty.
Commenting on the publication of the Manifesto for Justice, Roger Smith, Director of JUSTICE, said:
“A robust justice system is an essential part of a good society. While we have much to be thankful for in this country – jury trial, the presumption of innocence and an independent judiciary - we must not be complacent. The Manifesto puts in writing what many feel needs to be preserved and enhanced within our judicial and legal system. It also makes practical proposals for reform, which we commend to those of all parties.”
Carol Storer, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group, said:
“The LAPG is delighted to be part of the Manifesto for Justice. The justice system is a vital part of today’s society, and we should not forget that it is designed to protect the weak and vulnerable when they need it most. Continued and ill-thought-through cuts to the legal aid budget will affect those least able to cope, and will only exacerbate the difficulty of obtaining face to face advice in those parts of the country which already have limited provision. Every member of society has the right to timely legal advice and representation, and we call on politicians of all backgrounds to support the aims and concerns set out in the Manifesto.”
Nicholas Green QC, Chairman for 2010, said:
“The Manifesto is testament to the depth of feeling and commitment displayed by consumers, campaigners and all those working within the legal system. Publicly funded lawyers work incredibly long hours, often for modest remuneration, doing all they can to represent their clients, often in the face of huge systemic difficulties. The Manifesto for Justice considers the problems which the justice system must address if it is properly to meet the needs of society and protect the most vulnerable; a document which combines the experience and insight of eight such organisations deserves attention from politicians on all sides.”
MANIFESTO FOR JUSTICE PUBLISHED
Issued on behalf of: AdviceUK, The General Council of the Bar, ILEX, JUSTICE, Law Centres Federation, Legal Action Group, Legal Aid Practitioners Group, Liberty
A broad and influential coalition of eight leading legal and campaigning organisations has called on politicians to put justice centre stage in the forthcoming General Election campaign.
Publishing aManifesto for Justice, the groups – which represent consumers, lawyers and justice campaigns - have called for three principles of justice to be upheld by all those involved in the political debate.
As we look ahead to Justice Week 2022, the sustainability of the Criminal Bar remains a critical issue for the government to address
Opportunity for female sopranos/contraltos in secondary education, or who have recently finished secondary education but have not yet begun tertiary education. Eligibility includes children of members of the Bar
Fear of the collection and test process is a common factor among clients, especially among vulnerable adults in complex family law cases. Cansford Laboratories shares some tips to help the testing process run as smoothly as possible
Casey Randall explains how complex relationship DNA tests can best be used – and interpreted – by counsel
Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, explores what barristers need to know about DNA testing for immigration, including when a client might wish to submit DNA evidence, and which relationship tests are best for immigration applications
Julian Morgan reminds barristers of the top five areas to consider before 5 April
The case ofR v Brecanihas complicated matters for defence lawyers. Emma Fielding talks to gang culture expert, Dr Simon Harding about County Lines, exploitation and modern slavery
Barristers are particularly at risk of burnout because of the nature of our work and our approach to it but it doesnt have to be this way. Jade Bucklow explores how culture, work and lifestyle changes can rejuvinate our mental health...
Professionally embarrassed? The circumstances in which criminal barristers may return instructions to appear at trial have become clearer following the Court of Appeal judgment inR v Daniels By Abigail Bright
The Schools Consent Project (SCP) is educating tens of thousands of teenagers about the law around consent to challenge and change what is now endemic behaviour. Here, its founder, barrister Kate Parker talks to Chris Henley QC about SCPs work and its association with Jodie Comers West End playPrima Facie, in which she plays a criminal barrister who is sexually assaulted
Following the launch of the Life at the Young Bar report and a nationwide listening exercise, Michael Polak and Michael Harwood outline the Young Barristers Committees raft of initiatives designed to address your issues of concern
