The Law Society today published a policy manifesto ahead of the forthcoming general election, urging all political parties to respect the rule of law and safeguard access to justice.

The 24-page document, contains a detailed and wide-ranging ‘wishlist’ of recommendations, ranging from support for the retention of an open coroners system to creating a permanent body to simplify tax law.

Chancery Lane also urges the next government to restore the status of the legal aid system to that of a frontline service such as health and education. As well as maintaining legal aid eligibility at current levels, the next administration should work with legal aid practitioners on a ‘new covenant’ to enable practitioners to plan with confidence, it recommends.

Another major theme is the defence of citizens’ rights at a time of greater state intrusion into people’s lives.

Law Society president Robert Heslett said: ‘The Law Society has always worked to secure a fair and just society where the rights and liberties of citizens are properly protected.

In our view, all political parties need to commit publicly to ensuring that their policies support – rather than endanger – the rule of law. We risk destroying our freedoms under the law while we seek security. In recent years, the policies of the major parties have not focused heavily enough on ensuring access to justice – and the increasing lack of availability of legal aid is a very worrying trend – the rule of law means nothing if there is no access to justice.’

He continued: ‘We also need to ensure that civil rights and liberties are protected – not eroded – and that the process of governing itself is improved. All too often political parties react in a knee-jerk way to short-term pressures, with legislation sometimes being rushed through with inadequate scrutiny from all sides.’

Heslett added: ‘In our manifesto, published today, we focus on a return to the rule of law as our society’s principle in a time of economic, social and political change. The solicitors’ profession has been crucial, over the years, in supporting and maintaining the "rule of law" and it remains committed to this. However, it is important that politicians of all parties themselves commit to supporting the rule of law both in their campaigning and governing.’