Kirby tackles law reform agenda

Government plans to reform the criminal justice system are 'laudable' and 'considered', Law Society President Carolyn Kirby told delegates in her keynote speech, as part of a dtente that has broken out between Chancery Lane and the Home Office over the issue.

Ms Kirby said that 'on the whole the Law Society welcomes' the content of the White Paper, which was published in July, specifically praising proposals on alternatives to prison.

However, Ms Kirby raised several areas of continuing concern about the proposed reforms.

Chancery Lane is still unhappy with the proposals regarding the partial abolition of the rule on double jeopardy and any erosion of the right to jury trial.

Regarding conviction rates, Ms Kirby warned the government that 'it's no good blaming the lawyers - defence or indeed prosecution.

The answer to dealing with crime lies in better resources for law enforcement.'

The Society president also fired warnings at ministers over two other areas of law reform.

She described the draft mental health Bill as 'as an example of how responding to isolated, high-profile incidents, tends to make for poor law'.

Ms Kirby, a mental health specialist, said the proposed legislation 'places too much emphasis on the risk posed by a very small number of people with severe disorders.'

Ms Kirby rounded off her message to ministers by reissuing a call for legislation that would clarify the legal status of co-habitees.

Jonathan Ames