The fight to save Legal Aid

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A rarely discussed aspect of this government’s great war against the poor is its attack on the provision of legal aid for people who can’t afford expensive counsel.

A strong alliance of people have gathered to defend legal aid and today marks a historic first as Barristers have withdrawn their labour on a half-day strike for the first time ever in protest at the governments unjust and regressive plans.

Legal aid, introduced in 1949, is a vital part of the UK justice system.

It ensures that access to justice is not just for the rich (I can see why the usual suspects would have a problem with that- Haze) and that there is equal justice for all. Legal aid is a cornerstone of our democratic tradition and the rule of law.

Any justice system needs to ensure:

* Fair and equal access to justice for all

* Protection for vulnerable people

* Quality and effective legal representation; that the state is held to account

* A right to legal aid and a duty upon the Government to provide it.

The proposed cuts and the cuts already experienced are unjust, unnecessary and profoundly damaging.

 The Government’s proposals on legal aid will affect everyone and will have the following effects on those who cannot pay:

(a) Remove your right to choose your own solicitor. You will be prosecuted by the state and defended by a lawyer selected and appointed by the state. (sounds promising for the State – Haze)

(b) Quality, specialist legal defence will disappear. The removal of choice and the cuts in funding will mean you will be getting a service where the cheapest defence lawyers will get a legal aid contract.

(c) With the introduction of the residence test, many people would not be able to access the justice system at all; this will include babies in care proceedings, victims of domestic violence and people who have been trafficked into the UK.

(d) Legal challenges to decisions made by the state and public authorities will be seriously undermined.

(e) Prisoners will not have legal aid to make representations about vital issues like their treatment, rehabilitation and progress. They will be left to stagnate.

Or in other words the legal system will be for the wealthy and the powerful only.

You can join the fight against legal aid cuts here