The Bar Council and Law Society have backed a Manifesto for Justice to protect the creaking criminal justice system.
The manifesto, launched by the FDA union this week, makes four demands: a properly resourced Crown Prosecution Service (CPS); no more cuts to legal aid; investment in digital disclosure; and competitive pay and fees.
Christina Blacklaws, Law Society president, said: ‘Things are going wrong at every level―creating a nightmare journey for the accused, for victims and for those who work in the system. More resources are needed.’
Richard Atkins QC, Bar chair, said: ‘The entire criminal justice system needs to be properly resourced.’
Last week, a Criminal Bar Association survey of barristers who prosecute cases found that 1,870 barristers would be prepared to take days of action or adopt a no returns policy in protest against fees paid by the CPS. Nearly all wanted a refresher fee to be paid for a second day in court, and wanted additional fees for written work and reviewing unused material.
