The Law Society of Ireland welcomes the High Court judgment delivered today. The judicial review was brought by solicitor John Quinn and the Law Society was a notice party to the proceedings.
Criminal Legal Aid is a cornerstone of the justice system and a vital means of upholding the constitutional right to legal representation. The judgment is an important affirmation that changes to a scheme on which victims and defendants rely must be made lawfully and with proper process.
The judgment underlines the importance of continuing engagement between the Law Society and the Department of Justice. It is in the interests of everyone who relies on the criminal justice system that we secure an effective and sustainable Criminal Legal Aid Scheme that protects access to justice and commands the confidence of those who use it. The Law Society is committed to working constructively with the Minister and his officials.
