HUMAN RIGHTS: organisations unite for fast-track systemShort-cut to court

A consortium of legal organisations has joined forces to give defendants with human rights issues a short-cut to the courts.The group currently called the...A consortium of legal organisations has joined forces to give defendants with human rights issues a short-cut to the courts.The group currently called the Defence Fast-Tracking Group is being co-ordinated by human rights organisation Liberty, but includes the Law Society, Bar Council, Criminal Bar Association, London Criminal Courts Association, and civil rights group Justice.Organisers say it is important for cases to be fast-tracked where there is a need to clarify points of national importance, and for unusual points of specific importance to defendants interests.

The group will liaise with the Lord Chancellors Department to discuss listing, with a view to prioritising preferred cases.An equivalent group was set up some months ago by leading prosecutors at the Crown Prosecution Service, Customs & Excise, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The group has already succeeded in obtaining short-cuts for cases relating to speed cameras, and most recently anti-social behaviour orders.

Liberty director and solicitor John Wadham said: The defence needs equal input in deciding which cases need to be fast-tracked so that issues affecting defendants rights can get equal consideration.

There will always be cases where, for different reasons, time is of the essence.

The defence, just like the prosecution, needs the means to highlight these issues when they arise.For details, contact Alison Macdonald, at Matrix Chambers (amacdonald@matrixlaw.co.uk).Jeremy Fleming