THE body which represents Scottish solicitors has called for a massive programme of reform for the country’s criminal and civil justice systems.
The Law Society of Scotland said at the heart of reforms must be improved access to justice and published 40 recommendations as a pre-election manifesto.
The society says it is calling for the next Scottish Government to drive progress in improving access to justice, including urgent action on legal aid reform, to ensure that people can resolve legal issues and effectively uphold their rights. The society also said there is a need for legislation to deliver a modern system of regulation for the legal sector which will better protect consumers and boost the sector’s success in an increasingly competitive global market.
The document covers six key policy areas and the society says its recommendations are underpinned by a theme of respect for the rule of law and human rights. The programme also sets out a need to prioritise reforming the law on fatal accident inquiries, adult incapacity and mental health, the environment, charities and taxes.
The key policy areas are: protecting access to justice; modernising regulation of legal services; boosting economic recovery; shaping Scotland’s legal and constitutional future; enhancing the diversity of the legal profession and driving public policy and law reform.
Amanda Millar, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “This year’s election will be held against a background of extraordinary change. Covid-19 and Brexit create immediate challenges which demand immediate focus, but by bringing forward our priorities in the next parliament, Scotland can emerge as a more vibrant, inclusive and dynamic nation. We have worked extensively to drive progress in protecting and enhancing access to justice, but reforming legal aid must now be taken forward with urgency. It is also vital that we move forward with legislation to deliver a modern system of regulation for the legal profession to benefit consumers, the legal profession and the public interest.
“Scotland’s legal sector is at the heart of our economy and will play a vital role in creating a more resilient and globally competitive country. Our public policy priorities include reform of Fatal Accident Inquiries, vital to rebuild public faith in the system.”
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