Ministry Of Justice Proposes Specialist Courts For Domestic Abuse Cases

The potential for developing specialist courts dedicated to tackling complex cases, such as domestic abuse, is being examined by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

According to The Centre for Justice Innovation, crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse are ‘often complex and require a more sophisticated approach in order to secure prosecutions, protect victims and ensure that justice is done. Domestic abuse victims often find themselves jumping from forum to forum to resolve family, civil and criminal matters that are all facets of the same underlying issue’.

If the specialist courts come into force, the same judge will sit in both criminal and civil aspects of domestic abuse cases to ensure judicial continuity and faster processing of trials.

In the US, where the latest model is being piloted, it has led to increased convictions and witness participation, lower re-offending, more effectiveenforcement of protection orders and reduced case-processing times.

Endorsing the proposal, justice secretary Michael Gove said that he was ‘impressed’ by the potential of problem-solving courts ‘to contribute to crime reduction and personal redemption’ during a recent visit to the US. He further said that he and the Lord Chief Justice  have discussed how they can learn from the experience of problem-solving courts in other jurisdictions and they are both keen to look at what more can be done in this area.

The need for specialist courts in UK has been recognised for some-time now, assert Curry Popeck Solicitors. The development of specialist courts would strengthen thejudicial system and would ensure fairness and faster judgement.

The formation of specialist courts aims to modernise the judicial system in the UK and promises to deliver faster justice. Curry Popeck Solicitors welcomes the proposal.

Our team of highly experienced solicitors, led by Philip Popeck and Lionel Curry provide tailored solutions to all legal issues relating to corporate law, litigation and dispute resolution, employment law, family and property. From complex family law to commercial and residential property transactions for both private individuals and corporate entities, our team of experts have the expertise to achieve the desired results.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT NECESSARILY EXPRESS THE EXPERTISE OF THIS PRACTICE.

For more information about services offered at Curry Popeck or to discuss any legal matter, please visit- http://www.currypopeck.com/

Check out our CurryPopeck LinkedIn page.
Follow us on Curry Popeck Twitter profile.
Like us on Currypopeck Solicitors Facebook profile.

Solicitors Now Required To Justify Reasons For Recommending A Particular Advocate

In its response to a government consultation on criminal advocacy, the Bar council has suggested that solicitors should be required to explain the reason for recommending a particular advocate.

The Bar council has further suggested that the solicitor should sign a declaration stating that the client has been completely informed about the choice of advocate. The declaration would be effective in controlling malpractice because it would have contractual and professional implications if solicitors were found to have lied on a signed declaration.

In its Preserving and Enhancing the Quality of Criminal Advocacy consultation paper, the Ministry of Justice proposed a statutory ban on referral fees and is also seeking views on how to better identify and prevent disguised referral fees.

According to Curry Popeck solicitors and mediators, there have been concerns in the legal profession that the practice of taking referral fees is being abused by firms who refer clients to advocates with whom they have a financial relationship, potentially depriving clients of the choice of a more suitable advocate.

Although there is already a regulatory ban on referral fees, the bar council has strongly emphasized the need for a ‘statutory ban’, in order to promote clarity and consistency as to exactly what type of behavior is banned.

Curry Popeck welcomes the proposals by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) saying these will preserve and enhance the quality of criminal advocacy.

Curry Popeck’s dedicated team of law experts is able to provide friendly, practical and personal advice to clients in a very efficient, cost effective and timely manner.

With Curry Popeck, solicitors and mediators, clients always come first. We will always provide clients with clear and practical legal advice that safeguards their interests and will help them represent their case in the best possible way. Our team of highly experienced solicitors, led by Philip Popeck and Lionel Curry, are renowned for their impeccable legal advice and will take clients through the complex legal procedures as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

For more information about how Curry Popeck can help you, please visit http://www.currypopeck.com/

Like our CurryPopeck Google+ profile here: https://plus.google.com/+Currypopeck/posts

Visit Our CurryPopeck Solicitors LinkedIn page here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curry-popeck