The Law Society has today published ‘The Future of Justice in Wales’ – a manifesto for Wales – outlining its recommendations for the sixth Senedd term, to provide a platform for debate and focus over years ahead.
As Wales heads towards its sixth Senedd term, the Law Society Wales reports that engagement and cooperation between the representative body and Welsh Government ‘is at an all-time high’. In the last Senedd term, the focus on the justice sector has renewed the focus on how an increasingly devolved Wales may be able to combat some of the concerns affecting communities, those who work within the justice system and the sustainability of the Welsh legal sector.
The output in recent years includes the report of the Commission on Justice to the Rapid Review of the Legal Sector, the expanded remit of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to the ongoing inquiry into Making Justice Work. Justice has risen up the devolved political agenda in Wales and th Law Society’s new Manifesto outlines some of the key areas it hopes the next Senedd will continue to develop.
Jonathan Davies, Head of Wales for the Law Society, said:
“English and Welsh law is widely respected around the world and is one of the UK’s most valuable exports.
“Cross-border collaboration is a crucial component of English and Welsh law’s success.As the body of Wales-specific law grows, it is important to consider the distinct needs of the Welsh public and legal profession and to ensure a continued openness across England and Wales – allowing solicitors to gain experience and grow their careers in both nations.”
Davies also shared a short clip with Legal News Wales readers below to explain why it launched its new manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections, due later this year.
‘The Future of Justice in Wales’ – a manifesto for Wales, covers recommendations in the following areas:
- Devolution of justice
- Legal Aid
- Criminal justice system
- Welsh Language & the SQE
- Legal profession
- Business support & investment
- Image
- Upholding the rule of law
- Influencing regulation & supporting compliance
- Promoting access to justice
- Promoting a modern, diverse and inclusive profession
- Supporting the economic value & viability of [Law Society] members’ businesses
- Upholding the rule of law
- Influencing regulation & money laundering rules & supporting [Law Society] members to comply
Davies added: “We look forward to working with the next Welsh government to grow the sector, promote South Wales as a vibrant legal centre and improve access to justice.”
Download a copy
To view the manifesto and its recommendations, click here.
