Our support for the Criminal Bar’s Strike

September 5th marked the start of The Criminal Bar Association’s (CBA) indefinite strike action. The Criminal Bar is protesting the decades of cuts to legal aid in criminal cases, which have caused a massive court backlog. The strike and court walkouts are part of a broader effort by criminal barristers to protect access to justice within the criminal justice system.

Law for Life stands in solidarity with the members of the criminal bar who are striking. We have seen the profound damaging impact of an underfunded legal system on access to justice across civil and criminal law. 

A fairly funded criminal justice system is crucial in protecting the right to a fair trial. It is also vital for both victims and the accused for a fair trial to happen within a reasonable time frame. 

We understand that for those currently navigating the criminal justice system, as victims or accused, there may be confusion and displeasure at the further delays caused. But the sad reality is that the warning signs of a crumbling criminal justice system have been present for years, and criminal barristers have sounded the alarm. It is important to understand that these strikes are demanding funding and resolving court backlogs that existed well before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Law Society has predicted that there may not be enough criminal lawyers to represent people entitled to free legal advice within five years. The Ministry of Justice offered a 15% uplift, but the Criminal Bar Association considered this insufficient to address the almost 30% decline in incomes, nor does it apply to the backlog of over 50,000 cases. 

Criminal barristers have stated this is a last resort action to defend the viability of the junior criminal bar and the future sustainability of criminal justice. We urge you to support and learn more about the Criminal Bar Association Days of Action.