*/
Preventing criminal solicitors from instructing their own in-house advocates and a statutory ban on referral fees were among government proposals to enhance the quality of criminal defence work.
The consultation, Preserving and enhancing the quality of criminal advocacy, also sought views on introducing a panel scheme for publicly funded criminal defence advocacy, similar to the Crown Prosecution Service’s scheme.
The ministry said the measures seek to address concerns over standards and the operation of the market, and reduce the influence of financial incentives on the choice of advocates and support clients’ rights to make an informed choice.
The payment of referral fees paid by advocates is already banned by the Bar Standards Board, but the Ministry said it had been told by many, including the Bar Council, that such payments are frequently made.
Lord Chancellor Michael Gove said: ‘I hope they will raise quality standards in our criminal defence market, ensure the market works fairly and make the choice of advocate available more transparent.”
The consultation ends on 27 November.
Preventing criminal solicitors from instructing their own in-house advocates and a statutory ban on referral fees were among government proposals to enhance the quality of criminal defence work.
The consultation, Preserving and enhancing the quality of criminal advocacy, also sought views on introducing a panel scheme for publicly funded criminal defence advocacy, similar to the Crown Prosecution Service’s scheme.
The ministry said the measures seek to address concerns over standards and the operation of the market, and reduce the influence of financial incentives on the choice of advocates and support clients’ rights to make an informed choice.
The payment of referral fees paid by advocates is already banned by the Bar Standards Board, but the Ministry said it had been told by many, including the Bar Council, that such payments are frequently made.
Lord Chancellor Michael Gove said: ‘I hope they will raise quality standards in our criminal defence market, ensure the market works fairly and make the choice of advocate available more transparent.”
The consultation ends on 27 November.
Chair of the Bar finds common ground on legal services between our two jurisdictions, plus an update on jury trials
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest ONS data on drug misuse and its implications for toxicology testing in family law cases
An interview with Rob Wagg, CEO of New Park Court Chambers
With at least 31 reports of AI hallucinations in UK legal cases – over 800 worldwide – and judges using AI to assist in judicial decision-making, the risks and benefits are impossible to ignore. Matthew Lee examines how different jurisdictions are responding
What has changed, and why? Paul Secher unpacks the new standards aligning the recruiting, training and appraising of judges – the first major change to the system for ten years
The deprivation of liberty is the most significant power the state can exercise. Drawing on frontline experience, Chris Henley KC explains why replacing trial by jury with judge-only trials risks undermining justice
Ever wondered what a pupillage is like at the CPS? This Q and A provides an insight into the training, experience and next steps
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
