Access to Justice for Everyone
Here at Gordon Dean Solicitors we believe that justice should be accessible to everyone, no matter where you are from or how much you earn. That is why we are concerned about the Government’s recent and proposed changes to the legal system in the UK. These changes include court closures, cuts to criminal legal aid, increased court and employment tribunal fees, and restrictions on clinical negligence medical advice. These changes will make it more difficult and costly for many, including individuals and small businesses, to access the law.
Court fees increased dramatically – by up to 600% – in March 2015 and the Government is proposing to increase these fees again. The Norfolk & Norwich Law Society, of which we are a member, has responded to the Government’s consultation, opposing the increase in court fees, saying:
“… the fee increases appear to be almost entirely based on generating income, and is therefore little more than a tax on litigants, for which there is no justification whatsoever. The increases amount to a tax on the most poor and vulnerable members of society.
Access to justice is a fundamental right. By its very nature, the court fee increases will deny access to justice to at least some. It will disproportionally affect the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. Those without the funds to pay for the court fees may be unable to issue claims and applications as a result of limited means for a wide variety of reasons.”
The Law Society, of which we are also a member, is calling on the Government to ensure effective access to the legal system. You can read about their campaign, “Justice for All” here.
In a letter to the local newspaper, Gordon Dean, our senior partner, said:
“When solicitors and barristers go on strike, when magistrates resign, when citizens face criminal courts without representation, when dismissed employees cannot afford Employment Tribunal fees, when small businesses cannot afford to enforce contracts and recover debts, when legal aid cuts clog the family court with incomprehension and tears, when our courts are closed, it is time to talk of justice…. Without justice people suffer, the social contract is undermined and social order is threatened.”
Gordon regularly gives his time to the Norfolk Community Law Service, which provides free legal advice to those who need it. Read more about their services in our article here.
Contact us today if you would like legal advice but are concerned about the costs. We will always advise you on the different funding methods available to you and the alternative ways in which you can settle your case.
We believe justice should be accessible to everyone.