Is the Criminal Justice System at breaking point?

Is the Criminal Justice System at breaking point?

The Criminal justice system of England and Wales has a renowned reputation and is described as being one of our most precious assets, however, questions have been raised for years as to how effective the current system is. Is it working?

The Law Society has issued an urgent campaign this week highlighting the crisis facing the criminal justice system after years of underfunding and neglect. The right to a fair trial is a fundamental right, being innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and being treated fairly within the system are currently being prejudiced for these very reasons. As a society we all have a consideration for crime as it can affect any person at any time in their lives.

Simon Davis, the Vice President of the Law Society, issued the urgent campaign urging that “for a democracy to function properly, the rule of law needs to be enforced. The rich and the poor should have equal justice, and cases should be resolved quickly and effectively to allow victims to see justice done and return to their everyday life”.

Mr Davis continues to highlight the substantial problems facing the criminal justice system, including:

– decreasing number of criminal duty solicitors assisting the poorest and most vulnerable in society (at Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors we have the highest amount currently of duty solicitors in one firm in Plymouth)

– court closures (particularly affecting us here in the south west due to our rural location)

– victim and witnesses having  to attend court on many occasions when trials are consistently adjourned due to lacking court time and efficiencies

– accused people being held on remand for longer periods, costing the tax payer

– constant failures by the crown prosecution service to disclose evidence and material, which can prove the innocence of an accused person

– defendants on very low incomes being forced to pay fees or contributions they cannot afford, getting in to huge debt in order to access the services that may be able to prevent an injustice from occurring

All of which are resulting in vulnerable people being unrepresented or able to seek legal advice, victims going through unnecessary lengthier court processes, and injustices occurring. Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors support the campaign by the

Law Society in bringing this issue forwards.

You can contact our crime department for legal advice on 01752 660384, or simply ask for Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors should you find yourself in the position that you are arrested or interviewed under caution.