“This system is being decimated, and by discouraging practitioners one wonders how the judges of the future will be selected”
Sir, Last Wednesday the Court of Appeal rejected appeals by the Law Society and criminal solicitors’ associations against the draconian reduction in criminal legal aid. This will result in the closure of 1,000 firms of solicitors, and a reduction in advice for those in need.
There are still vast differences between the wealthy and others. A few days after the acquittal of journalists who were represented by experienced, and presumably expensive, lawyers, an MP, Sheryll Murray, asked the solicitor-general how a constituent on meagre means could obtain necessary legal advice. The astonishing reply was to refer her to a pro bono website or to the local Citizens Advice Bureau.
For more than 56 years I was proud to participate as solicitor, circuit judge and Commonwealth Supreme Court judge in a system which through legal aid provided skilled representation to all who needed it, with no distinction based on wealth, and where those able to reimburse the system were ordered to do so. This system is being decimated, and by discouraging practitioners one wonders how the judges of the future will be selected.
Would teachers, doctors or any other professional be invited by the government to provide their services free through pro bono or CAB? Certainly not MPs.
His Honour Barrington Black
London NW3
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