The Law Society has launched a High Court challenge to the Lord
Chancellor's decision to abolish the committal fee in legally
aided criminal proceedings for 'either way' cases.
The decision would remove all remuneration for legal
representation in a significant number of cases, leaving many
defendants without representation in the crucial early stages of
their case. The Law Society anticipates that the measure will have
a particular impact on people with mental health problems and
non-English speakers.
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