Law Society Legal News Summary 5 September 2024


Family courts crisis 

The Times (£) reports that severe underfunding of the family courts has left thousands of children trapped in the justice system for months.

President Nick Emmerson said: “The family courts are in a dire state. Children are forced to wait almost a year in limbo, as they are failed by a system that should aim to protect them.

“This has a damaging impact on the families and especially the children, as crippling stress and anxiety of an uncertain future is completely overlooked.

“Our children must be prioritised by the next government. Last year saw more than 100,000 children trapped in the family courts backlogs.

We cannot allow 25,000 more children to become collateral damage to a justice system in crisis.” 

Read our press release
 

Justice system 

New Law Journal reports on the lack of victim confidence in the justice system. 

President Nick Emmerson said: “‘Victims, witnesses and defendants are left in limbo for years. There are not enough lawyers and judges, and prisons and probation are overwhelmed.” 

Read our press release
 

TA6 consultation 

New Law Journal and Local Government Lawyer report on our recently launched TA6 consultation to conduct research with conveyancing lawyers on the changes to the form.
 

Fraud claims

Times (£) reports that human rights lawyer Phil Shiner is set to appear at Southwark crown court in London this month to face several fraud charges for pursuing false claims that British soldiers abused civilians in Iraq. He was previously named solicitor of the year in the Law Society Excellence Awards.

Probate process

His and Hers Magazine discusses the importance of the probate process and mentions our ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool.

 Also worth a read: 

  •  Bar Council condemns justice system cuts – Times (£)
  • Labour eager for progress on special tribunal to try Russia over Ukraine Guardian
  • Water executives to face jail if they obstruct UK investigationsFinancial Times (£)
  • Grenfell Tower Inquiry: government ignored safety recommendations Gazette
  • Gender-critical barristers’ alarm at BSB equality rule reform Legal Futures
  • UK signs first AI risk treaty Solicitors Journal
  • Number of children committing crimes increases post-lockdown Telegraph (£)

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