Civil Courts - cuts coming!

It looks like local justice is likely to be one of the casualties of the budget, with Justice Secretary Ken Clarke setting out plans to close 157 Magistrates’ and County Courts. The plan is to use technology to allow people to give evidence and use court services. Given that the Court Service is already financially stretched, it is hard to see this as having anything other than a negative impact on access to justice. With legal aid spending under review, tough times are undoubtedly on the way for the justice system.

Your AS students may wish to reflect on the impact of this programme of cuts on the civil courts, particularly on the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. What price justice?