By Mel Strickland, for Occupy London
Latest neoliberal reform in the legal system: the introduction of criminal court charges coming into effect on 13 April ranging from £150 – £1200 – it will incentivise people to plead guilty as the fees are much cheaper than if you plead not guilty and get convicted at trial. The Government’s rationale is that convicted defendants should have to pay towards the cost of running the court system. The Justice Gap called it a spiteful attack on poor people, it may also have the effect of putting activists off direct action.
Oautrage at Back Door Criminal Court (Link to the Law Society Gazette) http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/society-outrage-at-back-door-criminal-court-fees/5047914.fullarticle
