Keep access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation

This government proposes to ban anyone who is not a solicitor or barrister from receiving payment or expenses (eg parking costs or bus fare) if they assist an individual at a court hearing.

This means that anyone who cannot afford a solicitor or barrister would not have any help and would be left to represent themselves at court, often not able to understand the procedure and feeling intimidated by the whole process. This could include victims of domestic abuse facing their abuser on their own and people who have falsely been accused of abuse facing their accuser on their own. This is a clear violation of Article 6 (right to a fair trial).

This will also leave people who are separated from their children unable to pursue contact with them and deprive the children of a relationship with their parent, in violation of Article 8 (right to family life).

By signing this petition you are calling on the government to maintain access to justice and allow people the freedom to choose who can help them with their case.