*/
The controversial criminal courts charge would be ditched from 24 December 2015, the Lord Chancellor announced.
In a written statement, Michael Gove said that the Ministry of Justice will review the entire structure and purpose of the ‘complex and confusing’ financial penalties.
He said the review will seek to give judges greater discretion in setting financial penalties, make fines a more effective sentencing tool and ensure the money raised goes to meet court running costs.
More than 50 magistrates have resigned since the mandatory charge levied on all convicted offenders was introduced by Gove’s predecessor, Chris Grayling, last spring.
Gove stressed that the principle behind the policy – that those who have broken the law should bear some of the costs of running the criminal courts – is right. But, as the justice committee, which called for its abolition, pointed out in its critical report in the autumn, concerns have been raised, including from the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, about how it has worked in practice.
‘Our review will consider alternative ways of ensuring that criminals pay their fair share,’ said Gove.
Welcoming the change, Bar Council Chairman, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, said: ‘The charge created a perverse incentive to plead guilty, negated the principle of judicial discretion, reduced compensation awards and was never likely to raise the funds anticipated.’
She added: ‘The Ministry of Justice has clearly listened very carefully to members from both Houses and from across all political parties, as well as to the legal profession, and others who have campaigned on this issue.’
The controversial criminal courts charge would be ditched from 24 December 2015, the Lord Chancellor announced.
In a written statement, Michael Gove said that the Ministry of Justice will review the entire structure and purpose of the ‘complex and confusing’ financial penalties.
He said the review will seek to give judges greater discretion in setting financial penalties, make fines a more effective sentencing tool and ensure the money raised goes to meet court running costs.
More than 50 magistrates have resigned since the mandatory charge levied on all convicted offenders was introduced by Gove’s predecessor, Chris Grayling, last spring.
Gove stressed that the principle behind the policy – that those who have broken the law should bear some of the costs of running the criminal courts – is right. But, as the justice committee, which called for its abolition, pointed out in its critical report in the autumn, concerns have been raised, including from the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, about how it has worked in practice.
‘Our review will consider alternative ways of ensuring that criminals pay their fair share,’ said Gove.
Welcoming the change, Bar Council Chairman, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, said: ‘The charge created a perverse incentive to plead guilty, negated the principle of judicial discretion, reduced compensation awards and was never likely to raise the funds anticipated.’
She added: ‘The Ministry of Justice has clearly listened very carefully to members from both Houses and from across all political parties, as well as to the legal profession, and others who have campaigned on this issue.’
Barbara Mills KC, the new Chair of the Bar, outlines some key themes and priorities
A family lawyer has won a £500 donation for her preferred charity, an education centre for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs’ Giving Back campaign
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
What's it like being a legal trainee at the Crown Prosecution Service? Amy describes what drew her to the role, the skills required and a typical day in the life
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
