There are warnings that plans for criminal lawyers to be paid for work done before suspects are charged could tip the scales in favour of the prosecution
There are warnings that government plans which would see criminal lawyers being paid for work done before suspects are charged could tip the scales in favour of the prosecution.
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) has expressed its concerns in response to the government consultation on remuneration for pre-charge engagement (part of the criminal legal aid review).
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has argued that early and meaningful engagement between the prosecution and defence before a charging decision is made is crucial to improve the evidence disclosure process and aid swift case progression.
But while it welcomed the principle of ensuring lawyers are paid specifically for pre-charge work, CILEx...
