*/
NICHOLAS Green QC, the Chairman of the Bar Council, called on the Government to take a more considered approach to lawmaking as Liberal Democrat Conference delegates came together to consider the repeal of some of the huge number of criminal offences created by the previous Government.
Speaking at a fringe meeting, hosted by the Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association, at Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Liverpool, Nicholas Green QC said:
“We welcome the Coalition Government’s commitment to publish a Freedom (Great Repeal) Bill and its efforts to canvass public opinion on which laws should be considered for repeal. There is a wealth of expertise that the professions and the public can offer Government in identifying otiose, overly-burdensome or excessively authoritarian legislation. The thousands of new criminal offences created by the previous Government present a sensible starting point.
However, the Government must also take a considered approach to making new laws, so that it does not fall into the same trap as previous administrations. In the past there have been too many knee-jerk reactions. Parliament and the Select Committees must play a strong role in scrutinising legislation, and thorough impact assessments should be carried out before any further criminal offences are introduced.
The Freedom Bill presents an excellent opportunity for the Government not just to scrap unnecessary laws, but also to reflect on its approach to lawmaking and to consider a broader codification of criminal justice legislation. The recent Law Commission consultation, which has called for a reduction of the role of the criminal law in regulated fields, such as banking and food safety, is a perfect example of a rational approach.” He added:
“The Bar Council also supports greater post-implementation reviews of secondary legislation, for which the Lords Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee called last year. Departments should include in their Impact Assessments a clear baseline position against which change introduced by legislation can later be measured to assess whether success criteria can be met. The Bar Council, particularly through the work of our Law Reform Committee, welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the debate.”
The Bar Council’s presence at Liberal Democrat Party Conference was part of a broader effort to update parliamentarians on the Bar’s interests and activities.
Speaking at a fringe meeting, hosted by the Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association, at Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Liverpool, Nicholas Green QC said:
“We welcome the Coalition Government’s commitment to publish a Freedom (Great Repeal) Bill and its efforts to canvass public opinion on which laws should be considered for repeal. There is a wealth of expertise that the professions and the public can offer Government in identifying otiose, overly-burdensome or excessively authoritarian legislation. The thousands of new criminal offences created by the previous Government present a sensible starting point.
However, the Government must also take a considered approach to making new laws, so that it does not fall into the same trap as previous administrations. In the past there have been too many knee-jerk reactions. Parliament and the Select Committees must play a strong role in scrutinising legislation, and thorough impact assessments should be carried out before any further criminal offences are introduced.
The Freedom Bill presents an excellent opportunity for the Government not just to scrap unnecessary laws, but also to reflect on its approach to lawmaking and to consider a broader codification of criminal justice legislation. The recent Law Commission consultation, which has called for a reduction of the role of the criminal law in regulated fields, such as banking and food safety, is a perfect example of a rational approach.” He added:
“The Bar Council also supports greater post-implementation reviews of secondary legislation, for which the Lords Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee called last year. Departments should include in their Impact Assessments a clear baseline position against which change introduced by legislation can later be measured to assess whether success criteria can be met. The Bar Council, particularly through the work of our Law Reform Committee, welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the debate.”
The Bar Council’s presence at Liberal Democrat Party Conference was part of a broader effort to update parliamentarians on the Bar’s interests and activities.
NICHOLAS Green QC, the Chairman of the Bar Council, called on the Government to take a more considered approach to lawmaking as Liberal Democrat Conference delegates came together to consider the repeal of some of the huge number of criminal offences created by the previous Government.
The Chair of the Bar sets out how the new government can restore the justice system
In the first of a new series, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth considers the fundamental need for financial protection
Unlocking your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step. By Philip N Bristow
Possibly, but many barristers are glad he did…
Mental health charity Mind BWW has received a £500 donation from drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs as part of its Giving Back campaign
The Institute of Neurotechnology & Law is thrilled to announce its inaugural essay competition
How to navigate open source evidence in an era of deepfakes. By Professor Yvonne McDermott Rees and Professor Alexa Koenig
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC and Lyndsey de Mestre KC take a look at the difficulties women encounter during the menopause, and offer some practical tips for individuals and chambers to make things easier
Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice since January 2021, is well known for his passion for access to justice and all things digital. Perhaps less widely known is the driven personality and wanderlust that lies behind this, as Anthony Inglese CB discovers
The Chair of the Bar sets out how the new government can restore the justice system
No-one should have to live in sub-standard accommodation, says Antony Hodari Solicitors. We are tackling the problem of bad housing with a two-pronged approach and act on behalf of tenants in both the civil and criminal courts