Would it be correct to assume that those who think 'wealthy people getting free public defence is unjust' (see [2006] Gazette, 11 May, 19) also hold the equally facile view that 'wealthy people' (is this really to include everyone earning more than £20,740?) should be treated as guilty until proved innocent?

It may be that the punishment of those proved guilty should take account of their means. It may even be that everyone should be required to contribute to their own costs if found guilty. However, this does not seem to be what is being proposed.


Means testing is effectively an arbitrary tax on (mostly) modest earners.


The solution to the legal aid problem is to fund legal aid properly through general taxation; this is what the Law Society should be supporting.


Tim Cox, London