Wednesday’s Budget offered little comfort - and even less clarity - for those of us working within the criminal justice system. Despite the well-documented crisis facing our courts, prisons, and frontline legal services, there was no mention whatsoever of how the...
News
Campaigning for fairness in criminal lawMoJ to remove right to trial by jury for thousands of cases
MoJ to remove right to trial by jury for thousands of cases in controversial overhaul | Trial by jury | The Guardian The CLSA is very concerned about the Government’s announcement to remove the right to jury trials for a large proportion of cases. Trial by jury is a...
A New Chapter for the CLSA: Katy Hanson Takes the Chair as Daniel Bonich Passes the Baton
The Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association (CLSA) is delighted to announce that Katy Hanson will take over as Chair, following Daniel Bonich’s five-year tenure leading the association through one of the most turbulent and transformative periods in criminal law. Andrew...
Cyber Issues – LAA – Template Letter
We are aware that the ongoing issues with the LAA are now impacting hearings including those in the Crown Court. We are having regular meetings for updates with the LAA and are aware they are working on further contingencies. Until those are in place, we have prepared...
Sentencing Council: Publication of response to its fourth annual miscellaneous amendments consultation
The Sentencing Council has today published a response to the fourth annual consultation on miscellaneous amendments to sentencing guidelines. The response document sets out the changes that will be made to guidelines and can be found here. The majority of these...
LAA Data Breach
Update Friday 23rd May 2025 We continue to seek updates in relation to the data breach and will send updates when we have anything meaningful The Law Society have also been working hard on this and regularly update the link below....
Pre-Charge Bail Extension Application Forms
Pre-Charge Bail Extension Application Forms The Criminal Procedure Rule Committee has approved new versions of the pre-charge bail extension application forms for use in the case of persons arrested for a suspected offence on or after 28 October 2022. These are: •...
Legal aid consultation launches to deliver justice for victims
Press release: From: Ministry of Justice and Sarah Sackman KC MP Published 9 May 2025 Link to the consultation Thousands of victims across England and Wales stand to benefit as the Government launches a major consultation on criminal legal aid today (9 May)....
YJLC are holding a 1 day youth justice training for lawyers in Manchester on the 16th May and it is free
Book your place here The training will provide you with: Practical guidance on how to best represent children in the criminal justice system. An opportunity to hear from and work with young people who have been through the system. An explanation of the key topics...