Is Jersey just?

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Politicians wants to hear from you if you have ideas on how to improve Jersey justice. A review panel is looking at access to the local system, and wants Islanders to share their experiences.

The panel is made up of Senator Paul Routier, Senator Lyndon Farnham, Connétable Juliette Gallichan, Deputy Montfort Tadier and Deputy John Young - they say they will consider any suggestions to help Islanders get better justice.

They are looking for comments on:

• the current legal aid scheme and alternative approaches;

• public confidence in legal aid in terms of eligibility, human rights compatibility and public expenditure;

• the provision of general advice through to court representation in criminal and civil matters, including family and children proceedings;

• the overall experience of seeking access to justice through the courts, tribunals and parish system;

• the use of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, and tribunals;

• the availability of a high-quality, efficient and independent legal profession, accompanied by an effective system to handle complaints;

• the affordability of access to justice and different models of funding litigation and providing legal representation;

• competition, price, and other market-based factors as they affect affordability, access to justice and the provision of legal aid in Jersey.

Chairman of the review panel Senator Paul Routier said: “I welcome the opportunity to receive Islanders’ views on this important subject. Our intention has been to take as broad a view as possible of access to justice in the Island and we hope that the comments received will reflect this.”

Islanders have until Friday 20 June to comment on the review in writing via email to a2jr@gov.je