The Impact of the Proposed Legal Aid Changes
- Author Andrew Marshall
- Published December 26, 2010
- Word count 517
Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has been laying out proposals for changes in legal aid that will limit the types of cases where legal aid is available, therefore savings significant costs. Currently over £2 billion a year is spent on legal aid in the UK, an amount that is more than ten times that of France. Areas where legal aid will no longer be available will include claims against hospitals, doctors and schools, immigration, benefit and employment disputes and family law cases. Also in the proposals is that fees for legal aid solicitors will be cut by 10%. It is being seen by supporters as removing legal aid where it is being wasted but keeping it where it is really seen as necessary, while critics say that it will mean the poorest members of society will in some cases be unable to get justice.
So, what will be the impact of these changes should they go ahead?
One area of law that has significantly increased over the last decade is no-win no-fee suits. Currently the costs, and therefore solicitor’s fees, are recovered from the losing side. This is something that will no longer be possible.
In most cases legal aid will no longer be available in cases against public institutions such as doctors, hospitals and schools. Cases that will be affected will include those seeking legal action after medical mistakes. With regard to schools it is likely to limit the number of accident claims and appeals against school entrance. Some would argue that not being able to take legal action for genuine accidents is a good thing while other say it means that institutions will no longer be held responsible for a lack of care.
Family Law is seen as an area that will be impacted most by these proposed changes. Half of the total money saved will happen in the area of family law alone. Legal aid will still be available in cases that involve domestic violence, forced marriage and child abduction, but in a relatively straight forward case it will not be the case.
In general it is expected that the number of so called minor legal disputes will be less commonplace. This is something supporters see as a major plus points, on top of the obvious fact that it will save public money. The changes may put to an end (to an extent anyway) the increasing culture of looking for blame to profit from unfortunate situations, such as minor accidents. Some see certain cases as people taking advantage of legal aid where they would not pursue the case if they had to pay for it themselves, even if they could afford to. This will therefore reduce unnecessary legal action.
There are, of course, potential problems. Some are worried that the less well off will suffer unfairly, that there will be situations where people will not get justice where someone better off, and able to afford legal advice themselves, will be able to carry a case forward. It could also lead to irresponsibility with businesses, organisations and individuals held less responsible for their actions.
Andrew Marshall (c)
For Family Law Solicitors visit Bross Bennett, who are specialists in all aspects of Family Law.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Denzel Washington: Crafting a Legacy of Strength, Gravitas, and Change.
- Ginger: Nature’s Fiery Ally for Health and Vitality.
- The Data-Driven Dinner: How Hospitality Uses Analytics To Know You Better
- “Blood, Power, and Legacy: The Godfather Trilogy’s Triumphs and Tragedies.”
- The Healing Flame: Why Ginger Deserves Its Place Beside Turmeric.
- Visionaries Beyond Tomorrow: The Five Directors Who Reimagined Sci-Fi Cinema.
- The Timeless Power of Turmeric: Nature’s Golden Secret to Vitality
- New Port Richey Fl: Navy Vet found dead in Walk in Freezer.
- Golden Roots: How Turmeric Became the World’s Most Powerful Natural Healer.
- “Greta Gerwig and the Rise of Women Behind the Camera in Hollywood.”
- “The Crown of Cinema: From Citizen Kane to The Godfather.”
- The Miracle of Mother’s Milk: Unveiling the Lifelong Benefits of Breastfeeding.
- The Evolution of James Bond: Six Decades of Cinema’s Most Enduring Spy.
- Pumpkin Spice, But Make It Office-Friendly: A Beginner’s Halloween Makeup You Can Wear to Work
- The Man Behind the Cape: The Life and Tragic Fall of George Reeves.
- Is Learning to Drive in an Automatic Car Easier? — Expert Answers from Autogear Driving School Glasgow
- Nature’s First Superfood: Why Breast Milk Is the Ultimate Nourishment for Your Baby.
- Decorating the Humble Ranch House This Holiday Season with Vintage Carved Wood Furniture
- Personalized Carved Wood Doors: Your Gateway to Resort-Style Living at Home
- Cozy Neutrals and Natural Textures: Creating Your Deep, Lived-In Sanctuary
- Home for the Holidays: Creating Wholesome Spaces with Vintage Furniture and Antique Carved Doors
- Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding the Difference Between Ketosis and the Ketogenic Diet.
- The 24-290 mm Paradox: Why a 12× Zoom from 2001 Still Outresolves Today’s 8K Sensors
- The Power of Ketosis: Unlocking Your Body’s Hidden Energy Source.
- Navy Veteran With Dementia Found Dead in Assisted Living Freezer!
- Fueling the Future: Why Ketosis Is the Key to Lasting Energy and Metabolic Health.
- The Genetic Stew
- Common challenges in IT modernization
- Naka Solutions Reviews: Innovation, Quality Service, and Trader Trust
- The Style Upgrade: Why Coretec Floors Outshine Traditional Vinyl