*/
THE Bar Council welcomed Lord Justice Jackson’s Preliminary Report reviewing the cost of civil litigation published today. Responses will be sought by Lord Justice Jackson from interested parties over the summer, before a final report and recommendations are published in late 2009. The Bar Council welcomes the initiative to review costs in civil matters.
The Bar Council has already established a Jackson Working Group which will consider the issues raised by the Jackson Review. It is chaired by Michael Todd QC, with Susan Rodway QC as Vice-Chair. Representatives of a number of Specialist Bar Associations are members of the Group and they will be able to represent the diverse views of those working in the various civil fields.
The Bar Council also notes with great interest Lord Justice Jackson’s provisional view (see page 172, paragraph 5.5 in the report) on ‘no win no fee’ agreements. The Bar Council recognises that these agreements can provide enhanced access to justice but believes there is scope for reform and improvement. The report’s eventual recommendations will be of great interest to those outside of the legal profession including those in publishing, insurance and healthcare. Commenting on the publication of the Preliminary Report by Lord Justice Jackson, Michael Todd QC, Chair of the Bar Council Jackson Working Group, said:
‘The Working Group will consider the issues raised in the report and produce a draft response for the Bar Council which commands the widest possible support from practitioners across the civil field. I note that Lord Justice Jackson has focused on questions relating to cost shifting, fixed costs, personal injury claims, controlling the costs of ‘heavy’ litigation, CFAs and ATE insurance, and alternative methods of funding access to civil justice. We are concerned that the ever-increasing costs burden of civil litigation results in a denial of access to justice for the many people who cannot afford those costs. That is clearly not in the public interest.’ Desmond Browne QC, the Chairman of the Bar, said: ‘It comes as no surprise that Lord Justice Jackson’s interim report is an impressive piece of work, reflecting his intensive investigation in recent months of the issue of legal costs and access to justice in civil proceedings. His report reflects practice both at home and around the globe.
The Bar Council has long been concerned that civil costs are kept both reasonable and proportionate. We will be making every effort to help Lord Justice Jackson ensure that our civil law system serves its users as cost-effectively as possible, whilst maintaining the quality of adjudication for which this jurisdiction is rightly famed.
Public funding for civil cases is now unavailable in many areas. Very careful consideration therefore needs to be given to the means whereby meritorious litigants are assured of the access to justice which they deserve.’
The Bar Council also notes with great interest Lord Justice Jackson’s provisional view (see page 172, paragraph 5.5 in the report) on ‘no win no fee’ agreements. The Bar Council recognises that these agreements can provide enhanced access to justice but believes there is scope for reform and improvement. The report’s eventual recommendations will be of great interest to those outside of the legal profession including those in publishing, insurance and healthcare. Commenting on the publication of the Preliminary Report by Lord Justice Jackson, Michael Todd QC, Chair of the Bar Council Jackson Working Group, said:
‘The Working Group will consider the issues raised in the report and produce a draft response for the Bar Council which commands the widest possible support from practitioners across the civil field. I note that Lord Justice Jackson has focused on questions relating to cost shifting, fixed costs, personal injury claims, controlling the costs of ‘heavy’ litigation, CFAs and ATE insurance, and alternative methods of funding access to civil justice. We are concerned that the ever-increasing costs burden of civil litigation results in a denial of access to justice for the many people who cannot afford those costs. That is clearly not in the public interest.’ Desmond Browne QC, the Chairman of the Bar, said: ‘It comes as no surprise that Lord Justice Jackson’s interim report is an impressive piece of work, reflecting his intensive investigation in recent months of the issue of legal costs and access to justice in civil proceedings. His report reflects practice both at home and around the globe.
The Bar Council has long been concerned that civil costs are kept both reasonable and proportionate. We will be making every effort to help Lord Justice Jackson ensure that our civil law system serves its users as cost-effectively as possible, whilst maintaining the quality of adjudication for which this jurisdiction is rightly famed.
Public funding for civil cases is now unavailable in many areas. Very careful consideration therefore needs to be given to the means whereby meritorious litigants are assured of the access to justice which they deserve.’
THE Bar Council welcomed Lord Justice Jackson’s Preliminary Report reviewing the cost of civil litigation published today. Responses will be sought by Lord Justice Jackson from interested parties over the summer, before a final report and recommendations are published in late 2009. The Bar Council welcomes the initiative to review costs in civil matters.
The Bar Council has already established a Jackson Working Group which will consider the issues raised by the Jackson Review. It is chaired by Michael Todd QC, with Susan Rodway QC as Vice-Chair. Representatives of a number of Specialist Bar Associations are members of the Group and they will be able to represent the diverse views of those working in the various civil fields.
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
