funding criminal A03

Question 1

Government Funding

Answer 1

E - funding has reduced 2007/08 - £1.2B to 2015/6 300 million
D - criminal case numbers haven’t dropped some areas they have increased, tighter budget
WDP - inflation, budget for legal aid hasn’t risen in line with inflation

Question 2

Interests of justice - strict and unfair

Answer 2

E - merit factors are limited, very few who pass
D - favours past criminals as they are more likely to face prison
WDP - 1st time offenders less likely to recieve legal aid

Question 3

Means Test - is strict

Answer 3

E - in the MC 3/4 won’t qualify
D - in the CC they’re less strict but cases are more serious and complex
WDP - self representation won’t reach justice as they aren’t trained

Question 4

Means Test - is unfair

Answer 4

E - repeat offenders less likely to be employed so will receive legal aid
D - cost to the taxpayer supporting unemployed suspects
WDP - older defendants are more likely to have a higher income
however - advice at the police station is offered to all

Question 5

Lack of Lawyers in criminal

Answer 5

E - fewer solicitors are willing to work in criminal, they’d rather taken on other work
D - 1990’s 5000 firms in 2012 there was less than 2000
WDP - the future is bleak as few firms are available, hours can also be unsociable