Magistrates courts will continue to grant criminal legal aid, at least for the time being, the Lord Chancellor has revealed in a written answer to a parliamentary question by Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. The question asked if he had reconsidered taking powers for granting legal aid out of the hands of the magistrates courts. Referring to criticism of the courts' procedures by the Comptroller and Auditor General, Lord Mackay said systems had improved. He said any change could now wait until he had decided what to do about his proposals to overhaul the legal aid system, outlined in last year's Green Paper.
Professional indemnity insurance. All for one and one for all
The recent £110 million award against accountancy firm Binder Hamlyn has predictably led to calls for changes to limit the personal liability of partners as individuals. Limited liability partnerships have been suggested as one solution (The Lawyer, 19 December 1995) and even contractual limitations on liability are being discussed. However, the danger is that these […]