Top judge: Big change may be needed

The UK’s most senior judge says radical change may be needed to make the legal system more accessible to people who are not wealthy.

Lord Neuberger, president of the Supreme Court, admitted that legal advice and proceedings are “beyond the means of most people”. In smaller cases it may be necessary to do away with oral court hearings and cross-examination of witnesses as the whole system needs to become more efficient, he suggested.

Lord Neuberger made the comments in a speech at the Institute for Government – a charity which aims to increase government effectiveness – when he also conceded that “money for legal aid is scarce”. He called on judges to look at their own systems and procedures as he believes it is not just down to Government to address these problems.

He did, however, make it clear that he would stand staunchly against any move to reduce access to judicial review, which is a means for people to challenge the decisions of ministers and public bodies. We have one of the leading teams of criminal law specialists in West London and the South East. If you are facing a serious criminal charge, you can contact a member of the IBB’s Criminal Defence team, call us on 08456 381381 or email criminaldefence@ibblaw.co.uk.