Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland have begun a month-long boycott of legal aid-funded crown court cases, escalating a dispute over fees. The boycott, initiated by the Criminal Bar Association, will see barristers not appearing in legally aided crown court cases for the rest of January. The move follows a previous announcement in November where barristers refused instructions in new legal aid-funded cases for serious offences. The chairman of the Bar Council described the withdrawal as 'regrettable' but 'inevitable', citing stagnant fees for legally aided criminal work since 2005. Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed disappointment and warned of the impact on victims, witnesses, and the already strained justice system.
Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland have begun a month-long boycott of legal aid -funded crown court cases.
That action is set to continue after the month-long withdrawal of services from all legal aid-funded crown cases ends. Justice Minister Naomi Long said she was “disappointed” by the action. Ms Long said the move would impact “most acutely on the victims and witnesses who are waiting to give evidence and receive justice”.
Legal Aid Boycott Criminal Justice Northern Ireland Fees Dispute
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