Delay claims refuted

Criminal defence solicitors will next week set out to refute accusations that they are responsible for delays and inefficiencies in the system by holding a 'waste week' aimed at discovering who is really to blame.

The Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA) is asking defence solicitors in more than 50 court areas to log details for one week, identifying which agency was responsible for time wasted in the courts.

The CLSA worked with Bristol University statisticians to compile the form for the exercise.

CLSA director Rodney Warren said it decided to take the action following allegations that defence solicitors were stringing cases out in the hope that they would slip through the system.

'We believe that was unfair and inaccurate and so we are trying to get an objective snapshot of the reality of the situation,' he explained.

Meanwhile, the CLSA has called a rally of criminal practitioners - including non-members - to debate their future.

It will take place on 28 March at the Birmingham NEC.

Steve Orchard will speak at the rally, on his last day as chief executive of the Legal Services Commission.

Mr Warren said the event would be timely as an announcement on the legal aid budget is expected before then.

'I think that an awful lot of very cross practitioners will turn up,' he predicted.

'We will be keeping speeches to a minimum so that they get the chance to have their say.'

To register for the rally, contact Tim Martin, tel: 01323 470 884.

Paula Rohan