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At the time of writing, the BBC has reported that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has now agreed budgets with all of the government departments, and by the time you read this you will know if justice secures the additional resources needed to start to tackle the ongoing crisis affecting all of the system.
The Lady Chief Justice used her first speech at the Lord Mayor’s annual dinner for judges in October to tell ministers that ‘sustainable and long-term funding’ is needed to help the courts and judiciary secure the rule of law effectively. We agree. We know from other media reports that the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been lobbying hard with her colleagues in government for more funds.
We continue to work with colleagues from across the justice sector to put forward a compelling case for further investment, and we have offered evidence to show where it is possible for the government to spend on justice in order to save money for the Treasury elsewhere. October’s Budget is just the start of the conversation – the Spring Spending Review then sets the funding for the rest of this Parliament. We will continue to prioritise this work on behalf of the Bar – your support via the voluntary Bar Representation Fee allows us to do this.
We have welcomed the announcement of the sentencing review and the appointment of former Lord Chancellor David Gauke as its chair. One of the real drags on seeking to get the Crown Court backlogs down and to ensure swift and efficient justice has been the mismatch of ever heavier prison sentences and inadequate prison places to meet the imposed demand. Measures to speed up the Crown Courts have previously been thwarted due to the lack of prison spaces. Addressing sentences and the capacity of prisons is a necessary prerequisite to turning around the criminal justice system and in particular the delays in the Crown Courts.
The terms of reference for the sentencing review includes the establishment of an independent panel. We have been assured that the Bar will be given the opportunity to make submissions to the chair and panel and would expect to play a positive role in its deliberations.
The Opening of the Legal Year is always a wonderful occasion marked by a service in Westminster Abbey and judges and others processing to Westminster Hall. Lawyers representing over 50 jurisdictions convened in London to honour the pivotal role that the judiciary and lawyers play in safeguarding the rule of law.
The Bar Council and Law Society hosted a leaders’ event focused on the function of the legal profession in elections. The theme was chosen as there are more than 80 countries undergoing general elections this year and more than half of the world’s population will be going to the polls or have already been. I was fortunate to address the Bar leaders on developments in international rule of law.
Our International Committee will be collaborating with the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) to offer support for the draft European Convention on the protection of the profession of lawyer. The aim of the convention is to strengthen the rule of law and help protect lawyers when doing their jobs.
We have seen attacks on lawyers increase in recent years and this has included harassment and threats (both online and offline), surveillance, imprisonment, enforced disappearances and murder in countries that are part of the Council of Europe. A new instrument is needed to ensure there are effective protections in place.
As the Attorney General Lord Hermer KC stressed in his Bingham Lecture on the rule of law, it is important to combat disinformation and misinformation about the law and lawyers. He said: ‘The disgraceful scenes of violent disorder over the summer, including threats against immigration law firms and advice centres, showed only too vividly that what is said online can have dangerous consequences in the real world.’
Lord Hermer’s comment that it is now time for us to ‘reaffirm the rule of law’ will no doubt resonate with the Bar. In the speech, he emphasised three key themes: rebuilding the UK’s reputation as a leader in the field of international law and the international rules-based order; strengthening Parliament’s role in upholding the rule of law; and promoting a rule of law culture. The Bar Council will play its part towards achieving these laudable goals.
Sam Townend KC is Chair of the Bar 2024. Sam is a silk at Keating Chambers and practises in domestic and international construction, energy and professional negligence work. He is a mediator and adjudicator, and a Bencher at Lincoln's Inn.
At the time of writing, the BBC has reported that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has now agreed budgets with all of the government departments, and by the time you read this you will know if justice secures the additional resources needed to start to tackle the ongoing crisis affecting all of the system.
The Lady Chief Justice used her first speech at the Lord Mayor’s annual dinner for judges in October to tell ministers that ‘sustainable and long-term funding’ is needed to help the courts and judiciary secure the rule of law effectively. We agree. We know from other media reports that the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been lobbying hard with her colleagues in government for more funds.
We continue to work with colleagues from across the justice sector to put forward a compelling case for further investment, and we have offered evidence to show where it is possible for the government to spend on justice in order to save money for the Treasury elsewhere. October’s Budget is just the start of the conversation – the Spring Spending Review then sets the funding for the rest of this Parliament. We will continue to prioritise this work on behalf of the Bar – your support via the voluntary Bar Representation Fee allows us to do this.
We have welcomed the announcement of the sentencing review and the appointment of former Lord Chancellor David Gauke as its chair. One of the real drags on seeking to get the Crown Court backlogs down and to ensure swift and efficient justice has been the mismatch of ever heavier prison sentences and inadequate prison places to meet the imposed demand. Measures to speed up the Crown Courts have previously been thwarted due to the lack of prison spaces. Addressing sentences and the capacity of prisons is a necessary prerequisite to turning around the criminal justice system and in particular the delays in the Crown Courts.
The terms of reference for the sentencing review includes the establishment of an independent panel. We have been assured that the Bar will be given the opportunity to make submissions to the chair and panel and would expect to play a positive role in its deliberations.
The Opening of the Legal Year is always a wonderful occasion marked by a service in Westminster Abbey and judges and others processing to Westminster Hall. Lawyers representing over 50 jurisdictions convened in London to honour the pivotal role that the judiciary and lawyers play in safeguarding the rule of law.
The Bar Council and Law Society hosted a leaders’ event focused on the function of the legal profession in elections. The theme was chosen as there are more than 80 countries undergoing general elections this year and more than half of the world’s population will be going to the polls or have already been. I was fortunate to address the Bar leaders on developments in international rule of law.
Our International Committee will be collaborating with the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) to offer support for the draft European Convention on the protection of the profession of lawyer. The aim of the convention is to strengthen the rule of law and help protect lawyers when doing their jobs.
We have seen attacks on lawyers increase in recent years and this has included harassment and threats (both online and offline), surveillance, imprisonment, enforced disappearances and murder in countries that are part of the Council of Europe. A new instrument is needed to ensure there are effective protections in place.
As the Attorney General Lord Hermer KC stressed in his Bingham Lecture on the rule of law, it is important to combat disinformation and misinformation about the law and lawyers. He said: ‘The disgraceful scenes of violent disorder over the summer, including threats against immigration law firms and advice centres, showed only too vividly that what is said online can have dangerous consequences in the real world.’
Lord Hermer’s comment that it is now time for us to ‘reaffirm the rule of law’ will no doubt resonate with the Bar. In the speech, he emphasised three key themes: rebuilding the UK’s reputation as a leader in the field of international law and the international rules-based order; strengthening Parliament’s role in upholding the rule of law; and promoting a rule of law culture. The Bar Council will play its part towards achieving these laudable goals.
The beginning of the legal year offers the opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and the rule of law both at home and abroad
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A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
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From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)
James Onalaja concludes his two-part opinion series
Yasmin Ilhan explains the Law Commission’s proposals for a quicker, easier and more effective contempt of court regime
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC on preparing for judicial appointment applications and the JAC support for underrepresented groups
Inspiring and diverse candidates are being sought for the Attorney General’s Regional A, B and C Panels - recruitment closes at noon on 10 October 2024
