Judicial reforms in the United Kingdom

According to the latest report by CEPEJ (European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice), the United Kingdom does not plan a comprehensive reform of its judicial system , nor change your budget. For example, structural changes, changes in the number of courts, changes in the form of management, construction of buildings, etc. are not underway.

With regard to access to justice, there is a bill to review legal aid in criminal cases. The discussion is motivated by greater control of expenses and more effective sanctions in cases of abuse in legal aid.

Since 2019, the High Judicial Council has existed , a council made up of all magistrates in the United Kingdom, whose mission is to promote excellence in the exercise of jurisdiction. The executive functions are the responsibility of a Board, as well as the Judicial Studies Committee, which operates in the same way as a school of magistracy. The Council also has a correctional function conducted by a committee that has external members in its composition.

With regard to the legal professions, a Bill to give more transparency to the process of appointing magistrates . The current rule has been in force since 1995 and organizes the Judicial Appointments Commission.

What is intended is that the new commission (which has a lay majority) selects and recommends magistrates for appointment, as well as enables wide publicity on the criteria required of candidates. One of the biggest changes in the system should be the formation of triple lists, instead of lists with seven names, as those currently drawn up.

In addition, since 2018, the Mediation Act has created a system for promoting dispute resolution through mediation. The objective is to reduce costs for the parties, making the process faster.

Finally, since 2012, the Penal Policy Review Group ( PPRG ), whose objective is to promote a broad review of penal policy. The report presented in 2014 has 43 recommendations and has been monitored by an implementation group since 2015. Among the measures discussed are the search for alternatives to custody, the improvement of accommodation standards and prison services , demand for more discipline in the use of temporary release programs.