Overhaul for civil justice

THE effect of new laws to reform the civil justice system will be profound, Scotland’s top judge has told MSPs.

The Scottish Civil Justice and Criminal Legal Assistance Bill, if passed, will establish a civil justice council responsible for formulating policy and drafting procedure rules in the civil courts. It will also introduce financial contributions to the cost of legal aid for accused people who have disposable income of at least £68 a week.

Holyrood’s justice committee was taking evidence from Lord Gill, the Lord President and Lord Justice General, as it considers the proposals.

He said: “We’re just beginning a very remarkable process of legislative reform which will profoundly affect civil justice for the benefit of the whole system.”