*/
Baroness Scotland has mounted a robust defence of the “fundamentally sound” role of the Attorney General. The government began a review of the role of Attorney General in 2007 and announced its decision, that no change to the law was necessary, in 2009.
In a speech to the Administrative Law Bar Association on “The role of the Attorney General in the 21st Century”, Baroness Scotland said: “After the analysis, the talk of tensions and contradictions, I say simply this: for all the problems, which I acknowledge, no suggestion that an Attorney General in modern times has in fact taken a decision on the basis of political or otherwise improper considerations has been substantiated ... Let us not apply nice theoretical tests to the role of Attorney General and watch the role fail them; let us see whether the role works in practice. And if it does not need fixing, why break it?”
On controversy surrounding advice given on Iraq, BAE and cash for honours, she said: “It is the issues that are difficult and controversial; and that will be the case whoever has to take them.”
However, some reforms have been implemented which have not required a change in the law. These include a Protocol setting out that the Attorney General no longer has the power to give a direction in an individual case save in “exceptional circumstances” and where necessary to safeguard national security.
Baroness Scotland said she would lay an annual report of her duties before Parliament.
In a speech to the Administrative Law Bar Association on “The role of the Attorney General in the 21st Century”, Baroness Scotland said: “After the analysis, the talk of tensions and contradictions, I say simply this: for all the problems, which I acknowledge, no suggestion that an Attorney General in modern times has in fact taken a decision on the basis of political or otherwise improper considerations has been substantiated ... Let us not apply nice theoretical tests to the role of Attorney General and watch the role fail them; let us see whether the role works in practice. And if it does not need fixing, why break it?”
On controversy surrounding advice given on Iraq, BAE and cash for honours, she said: “It is the issues that are difficult and controversial; and that will be the case whoever has to take them.”
However, some reforms have been implemented which have not required a change in the law. These include a Protocol setting out that the Attorney General no longer has the power to give a direction in an individual case save in “exceptional circumstances” and where necessary to safeguard national security.
Baroness Scotland said she would lay an annual report of her duties before Parliament.
Baroness Scotland has mounted a robust defence of the “fundamentally sound” role of the Attorney General. The government began a review of the role of Attorney General in 2007 and announced its decision, that no change to the law was necessary, in 2009.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
A comparison – Dan Monaghan, Head of DWF Chambers, invites two viewpoints
And if not, why not? asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Head of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, discusses the many benefits of oral fluid drug testing for child welfare and protection matters
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Maria Scotland and Niamh Wilkie report from the Bar Council’s 2024 visit to the United Arab Emirates exploring practice development opportunities for the England and Wales family Bar
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
David Wurtzel analyses the outcome of the 2024 silk competition and how it compares with previous years, revealing some striking trends and home truths for the profession
Save for some high-flyers and those who can become commercial arbitrators, it is generally a question of all or nothing but that does not mean moving from hero to zero, says Andrew Hillier
