Broad welcome as MSPs prepare to consider reforms

Published on Wednesday 30 September 2009 22:35

MSPs will discuss the Gill review next week in the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking ahead of next Thursday's debate on the issue, justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Lord Gill's hard- hitting report is a landmark to be welcomed by all those who believe that the people of Scotland deserve a better system of civil justice.

"These recommendations will underpin the modernisation of civil justice in Scotland, informing a reform of the courts that complements the government's own clear objective of ensuring that all public services are of a high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people's needs."

Lord Gill believes his reforms, if adopted, would take five years to implement.

The Law Society of Scotland welcomed the review and said Lord Gill had "comprehensively" addressed the issues at the heart of the civil court system.

Kim Leslie, convener of the society's civil justice committee, said: "Solicitors play an important practical role for their clients in the running of the civil courts system.

"Lord Gill has expertly reconciled the need for both local and specialist justice, particularly with personal injury cases, family actions and business disputes, allowing actions to be raised in local sheriff courts or before a specialist judge.

"The society will work positively with everyone involved with the review, as well as in any other area where we can make a difference to ensure that the system works for everyone."

The Faculty of Advocates said it would approach the proposals in a constructive way.

A spokesman said: "It is a detailed report which requires a considered response, not a knee-jerk reaction.

"The faculty and its 460 practising members play an essential part in providing practical access to justice for the people of Scotland and will approach Lord Gill's proposals in a constructive and positive manner.

"The faculty agrees that value for money and cost-effectiveness are important considerations but they are not paramount.

"The overriding reason for having an effective and efficient civil justice system is to ensure that everyone has access to high quality justice within a reasonable time."