If ever evidence was needed to prove that our justice system has well and truly broken, 2 recent news items have provided it.
It seems as though the days of alleged criminals being pursued diligently by our ‘boys in blue’ have disappeared, for the time being at least. A recent news item, bore the disturbing legend that ‘Cops Ignore 60% of Crimes’. The apparent reason for this is that not only are there not enough Bobbies on the beat, but there are not enough police officers, full stop! This is a worrying admission, on two fronts. Firstly, it is difficult to conceive how reduced likelihood of your crime even being detected can amount to any form of deterrence! Secondly, it is difficult to conceive how reduced likelihood of your crime being properly investigated, even if detected can amount to any form of deterrence!
It seems as though the days of alleged criminals being pursued diligently by appropriately experienced barristers have disappeared, for the time being at least. A recent news item warns of the distinct possibility of all 2000 barristers who currently undertake prosecution work ‘going on strike’, because of inappropriately low fees. Senior barristers are refusing to prepare and present cases for ‘measly and paltry Brief fees’, which do not adequately reflect their high levels of experience and expertise. The work therefore tends to be done by more junior members of the Bar. These are worrying admissions, as the prospect of being prosecuted by an inexperienced, underpaid barrister, is not likely to be much of a deterrent!
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