Dean of Faculty comments on legal aid review

 

The Scottish Government has announced an independent review of legal aid and the setting up of an expert advisory group which includes two members of Faculty.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Legal Affairs Minister Annabelle Ewing said the review was expected to last a year and would be chaired by Martyn Evans, chief executive of the Carnegie Trust, an organisation  dedicated to improving wellbeing for those who are disadvantaged.

The expert advisory group is to include Janys Scott, QC, and Brian McConnachie, QC.

Commenting on the review, Gordon Jackson, QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “It’s right that the legal aid scheme should be examined to make sure need is being properly met, and the Faculty will play its part in the review. Ultimately, what matters most is the provision of proper and fair access to justice, which is fundamental to the rule of law in a free society, and legal aid is an essential element of that. Whatever changes may follow this review, that principle must not be undermined.”

Details of the review are at http://news.gov.scot/news/independent-review-of-legal-aid