Criminal justice

Our fight for access to justice and properly funded criminal legal aid is part of our advocacy work on the issues you've told us matter most.
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Criminal legal aid: what's changing

In 2024, we secured a long-awaited fee increase for solicitors. This was the first boost to criminal legal aid funding in 25 years.

With further still to go, discover how we’re driving efforts to properly fund this vital public service.

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Richard Atkinson is a white man with short, dark grey hair. He wears a navy suit, a white shirt and a dark blue polka dot tie.

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Legal aid means test review: understand the changes

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Judicial career pathways Q&A

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News and articles

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Westminster update: Law Society gives evidence on access to justice

Your weekly update on the latest developments and debates in parliament and across Whitehall. This week: Law Society on access to justice, Commons debates jury trials and the Sentencing Bill.

12 Jan 2026

Westminster update: Law Society gives evidence on AI and human rights

Your weekly update on the latest developments and debates in Parliament and across Whitehall. This week: Law Society on AI regulation, prime minister discusses jury trials, lord chancellor on the justice system, legal aid and court backlogs.

22 Dec 2025

Swift and fair justice denied by record court backlogs

Record backlogs in both the Crown Court and magistrates’ court show the need for investment and reform across the entire criminal justice system.

18 Dec 2025

“Being a duty solicitor at Christmas is not as bad as being in a position where you need…

Criminal defence solicitor Rebecca Wood shares her experiences as a duty at Christmas.

15 Dec 2025

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Topics related to criminal justice

Legal aid

Client care

Advocacy