UK Legal Reform Continues Apace

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

17 September 2003

Speaking to the British media recently, the UK's new Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer made no apologies for the speed at which reforms to the legal system have been put forward for discussion.

Although much of the legal profession is still mulling over the recent announcement of plans to scrap the office of Lord Chancellor, create a Supreme Court, and establish an independent judicial appointments commission, a new set of proposals divesting the Lord Chancellor of certain powers with regard to the church is set for publication this month.

According to the Times, Lord Falconer has revealed that this is a move designed to 'free up the Lord Chancellor to focus on the job of being a minister with an agenda to connect with the public'.

Speaking recently, the head of the newly created Department for Constitutional Affairs explained that:

'I don't think there has been undue haste. The right course is to make clear what you are going to do and then - after consulting fully and properly - then to do it. Far better to have clarity about the direction of travel and a clear and reasonably speedy execution of the decision. The alternative is a long period of uncertainty.'

Although nothing is certain until the review of legal services regulation has been completed by Prudential chairman, David Clementi, recent comments made by Lord Falconer have hinted at the fact that the end is nigh for self-regulation. He was quoted by the Times on Tuesday as observing that:

'How the legal professional bodies are regulated is very complex and based on a series of historical additions to the system. It is very difficult for the public to access, and it is not effective in either promoting a market that protects the consumer and promotes change...and also deals effectively with complaints from the public about quality of service and the conduct of solicitors.'

Recommended