THERE won’t be many people more qualified than Judge Gordon Risius to give their view on the justice system. So it is vital we heed the warning of the 69-year-old judge, who gave his final sentencing last week, after 11 years in the role.
He has raised major concerns about huge spending cuts, and those in charge of the purse strings must listen to him.
We are lucky to live in a country, where through legal aid, people regardless of income, have access to help and support. We cannot have our ability to maintain these values eroded by penny-pinching.
As experienced barristers flock out of the profession, more must be done to try and keep them within the system.
Similarly with the CPS, as their staff bear the brunt of cuts, we are seeing increased failings. Cancelled hearings, inadmissible evidence, allowing criminals to potentially walk free on technicalities when mistakes have been made. It’s not just the day-to-day court diaries that suffer – it is we the people.
Going through the court system is a trial enough for most – juries, victims, witnesses – without it being made harder because of shambolic organisation.
Judge Risius knows this more than most. It’s time those in control of the cash listened.
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