The justice system is as vital as the NHS...don't let it collapse

Top lawyer warns of legal delays & crumbling courts

- SOPHIE HUSKISSON

THE justice system is on the brink of collapse despite it being as vital a public service as the NHS, a leading lawyer has warned.

President of the Law Society Richard Atkinson said the system, which he called a cornerstone of the UK, is on its knees with crumbling courts, long delays and not enough legal aid lawyers.

More than 70,000 cases are waiting to be heard in the crown courts, with trial dates sometimes four years off.

Lower pay for public sector lawyers has caused a catastrophic legal staffing crisis, which adds to delays, Mr Atkinson said.

He revealed a lack of duty solicitors available at police stations slows cases down from the start.

Domestic violence and rape suspects are being temporarily released because a solicitor is not available to represent them in interviews, he said. Meanwhile court buildings are crumbling, with the repairs backlog reaching £1.3billion.