There is a serious question of whether the independent criminal bar will survive a series of government initiatives which may be summed up in this equation:
QaSa + (oCOF x BvT) = BOGOF
where QASA = Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates
oCOF = One case, one fee
BvT = Best Value Tendering
BOGOF = .... well, I'm sure that the reader is well able to work that one out !!
The logic of the equation is that it will not be financially worthwhile for lawyers to pursue a career in criminal law. Eventually, individuals charged with serious offences will be lucky to receive any form of professional advocacy.
Posts on the Criminal Bar Association website are:
A Shocking Lack of Understanding of the Justice System is Driving Dangerous Cuts - a Guest Post From Karl Turner MP - 8th March 2013
Twelve things you always wanted to know about QASA, OCOF and BVT but were afraid to ask - Ian West - 10th March 2013
Attorney General, and Head of the Bar of England and Wales says Barristers are “Foolish” to resist QASA.- 14th March 2013
Start the bilge pumps or abandon ship: is there a future at the Criminal Bar for those just starting out? - James Jackson, third-six pupil barrister - 15th March 2013.
QASA – Baroness Ruth deech, Chair of the Bar Standards Board, attacks criminal bar stance on QASA – Better the devil you know And the bar hits back - The 'noisy minority' of barristers opposed to QASA hit back at BSB claims
Sixteen FACTS about QASA - Legal Half Hour blog
Please read these posts - this is a crucially important topic.
See also Worrying Trends No. 5
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