Stephen Davies @sdavieslaw Twitter profile

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Stephen Davies

2 years

[Thread] The Ministry of Justice's offer to the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) of England & Wales. In this thread I outline the complex background & policy. I have concluded the offer on the table is a dud & ought to be rejected. Solicitors should join the bar in taking action.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

5 years

I love Jess Phillips MP. She is everything I want an MP to be doing and saying amongst all the usual political chaos. You cannot go wrong with honesty, integrity and doing so with utter conviction.

Jess Phillips

@jessphillips

5 years

Today I asked the question in parliament about how do we end Brexit if a hung parliament is returned. I got no answer. The general election is a front get ready for politicians to say your votes mean what ever they want it to mean.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

I am fed up. Legal aid is not sustainable financially or mentally. I love what I do, & I truly believe in everything that legal aid should & could be. But I also believe it's done for. It's abusive in the sense the system relies on good will; I'm afraid good will is running out.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

We’re finding it difficult to make the streets safer as many suspects are RUI for years, and trials take about 5 years since arrest👇🏻 👮‍♀️We closed 600 police stations since 2010 🎯 We cut the police by 21,000 🇬🇧 We do not prioritise the criminal justice system. We savage it.

Priti Patel

@pritipatel

3 years

We're getting on with our pledge to make our streets safer 👇🏽 👮‍♂️ We've recruited nearly 9,000 more police officers so far. 🎯 We're on track to reach our 20,000 target. 🇬🇧 We're delivering on the people's priorities.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

I am absolutely livid listening to @BorisJohnson blame defence lawyers for the delays in the system. The PM is a liar. His Govt caused this mess. My colleagues are the ones showing good will to pick up the pieces.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

If Raab wants to bring in scorecards for the CJS let me kick this one off Highbury’s lift is still broken 0/10 Serco have produced my client at the wrong court 0/10 It’s 12 noon & I have no prosecution papers 0/10 Temptations cafe - flat white, bacon & egg croissant 10/10

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

In Oct '19, I was spat on by a group of males on the underground. I was swabbed, & I even typed my own witness statement soon after. Today I found out nothing has been done. The police failed in ascertaining CCTV & haven't bothered to send swabs to forensics. The system is broke.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The biggest problem working in the criminal ‘justice’ system is caring about it. I think it’s possible to care to the extent that it makes you genuinely unwell. Trying to do the right thing in a system that is so broken is quite literally impossible. This is the harsh reality.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

If you never want this to happen again, perhaps you should fund criminal legal aid?

Boris Johnson

@BorisJohnson

3 years

I welcome the Court of Appeal's decision to overturn the convictions of 39 former sub-postmasters in the Horizon dispute, an appalling injustice which has had a devastating impact on these families for years. Lessons should and will be learnt to ensure this never happens again.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

HMP Wandsworth is one of the worst prisons I have ever experienced. My clients will tell you the same. It is simply not fit for purpose. As a society, we should judge how civilised we are to fellow human beings, by the standards of our prison estate.

Middle-class father pens vivid prison diary from Wandsworth jail

CHRIS ATKINS: My cell is about 6ft by 12ft. The mattresses on the bunk beds are made from heavy-duty blue plastic, designed for the easy cleaning of bodily fluids.

www.dailymail.co.uk

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Recently I lost faith in the criminal justice system when I was incorrectly advised the following in open court: “Mr Davies, the prosecution do not have to prove all of the elements of the offence” Would anyone like to depress me even more by sharing more howlers?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

If your dog is taken, and a suspect is identified, interviewed and charged with theft, the defendant has a right to elect trial by jury in the Crown Court. This process will take about 3-5 years because the Govt created a backlog of 60,000+ cases, made worse by the pandemic.

Sky News

@SkyNews

3 years

Pet theft is to be classed as a new criminal offence to help crackdown on a 'worrying' rise in dognappings reported during the pandemic

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

I will say it loud and clear. There’s not enough criminal lawyers for the amount of work currently clogged up in the system, nor is there enough to deal with an influx of new work. I salute the @TheCriminalBar as they take action and withdraw their good will on 11 April 2022.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

. @MoJGovUK have published the num of firms conducting publicly funded criminal defence. The market is collapsing 2010/11 – 1861 2012/13 – 1652 2014/15 – 1510 2015/16 – 1470 2016/17 – 1420 2017/18 – 1440 2018/19 – 1310 2019/20 – 1220 2020/21 – 1109 2021/22 – 1080 2022/23– 952

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

I don't think the Govt appreciates the number of criminal lawyers considering quitting this job. There is a substantial number of solicitors & barristers who - on a daily basis - are fed up with the monumental levels of stress, anxiety & financial worry caused by Govt failings.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Certain cases remind me why I am a criminal defence lawyer, & why legal aid matters. This week has been full of them. It isn’t about law or procedure, it is about people. It is individual people & their families that matter the most. Liberty is not to be taken for granted.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Today I have been admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales. I’m very fortunate to have incredible support from family, friends and colleagues alike. Thank you to all of you, particularly @TuckersLaw for making it happen!

Adam Makepeace

@AdamMakepeace

6 years

@sdavieslaw Stephen - can we tempt you down south for this? Fair to say that the streets of London are no longer paved with gold...

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

1 year

Every single expert on criminal justice policy worth their salt has highlighted the crisis that is our criminal justice system. Yet the Lord Chancellor thinks he knows best. Incompetent political decisions have dire consequences for the public.

Prisoners may have to be released early, Dominic Raab warned as prisons hit capacity

Justice Secretary refuses to contemplate opening doors ‘this time around’ but ‘hasn’t any other options’ as numbers keep growing

www.telegraph.co.uk

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

A junior barrister has published their earnings. It represents the harsh reality. If we don’t act now, we risk losing this excellent barrister and many others.

The Junior Junior

@TheJJBarrister

2 years

@TheCriminalBar @BarristerSecret @CrimeGirI

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Find me a professional in any court in England & Wales who isn’t unhappy at the current state of play. Seriously folks, we cannot operate at this intensity without a breather. It is mentally and physically exhausting. Burnout for all. We should say no, and look out for each other

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

6 years

My day has only just finished. I advise young vulnerable clients at the police station so that I can survive in central London. My salary only just covers my rent, bills and travel. I love what I do. But this is surviving not living. Criminal legal aid is a crisis

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

[Thread] Why are publicly funded defence barristers going on strike? This thread is everything you need to know about the issues affecting criminal legal aid barristers and solicitors. @TheCriminalBar

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Unbelievable. @CEOofHMCTS “does not” accept there is a link between court closures and the backlog.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

BREAKING: @TheCriminalBar of England and Wales has announced industrial action. The Criminal Bar has voted to continue with 'No Returns', refuse new instructions and engage in days of action. This is highly likely to bring the Crown Courts to a halt.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

6 years

[THREAD] Dear @lucyfrazermp , 8 months, I submitted my third law degree, bringing an end to a 6 year period of university, costing approx £60,000. I've researched criminal law & criminal legal aid for about 9 years. I currently work in criminal legal aid.

Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

7 years

I’m pleased to share my latest LLM thesis. Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to read it #accesstojustice #LegalAid #CriminalLaw

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

The Govt caused the delay and they decided to lie about it by suggesting it was caused by the pandemic. The courts are gridlocked - the entire criminal justice system is broken.

Sexual offence victims face longest-ever court waits

Recent Crown Court cases have taken an average of nine months to complete, BBC investigation finds.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Disclosure is a daily battle in the Magistrates' Court. I don't care how many reports they publish on the subject, it's all superfluous if the process is not done in a "thinking manner" It's not even complex disclosure either; it's the basics. Every. Single. Day.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Dear Rob In 10/18, Aylesbury CC had a backlog of 251 cases. In 03/20, the backlog increased to 550 cases. The idea that it built up during the pandemic is not true, is it? It was caused by courts physically closing, & restriction on sitting days, wasn't it? @BarristerSecret

Rob Butler

@RobBAylesbury

2 years

Excellent news to help clear the backlog of cases that built up during the pandemic. Aylesbury Crown Court has led the way in returning to normal, and I'm pleased to see this announcement from @jcartlidgemp which will make a big difference to victims of crime.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The Govt slashed the CPS and legal aid budget. The Govt then created a substantial backlog prior to the pandemic, made worse by the pandemic. Lawyers have left the profession. Others have too much work And now the State is struggling to prosecute serious sexual offences

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

The Justice Minister @jcartlidgemp has lied on @BBCNewsnight . The former Justice Minister stated they’ve put £74m into criminal legal aid 2018-20. This is a lie. @Afzal4Gorton ’s written question in HANSARD addressed this topic. Who answered it? … @jcartlidgemp

BBC Newsnight

@BBCNewsnight

2 years

“I had sleepless nights as a minister” Former Tory Justice Minister @jcartlidgemp tells #Newsnight the criminal justice system is coming to a halt and the real victims will be rape victims and people in custody

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Crime. The basics. In the last few weeks, I’ve experienced: 1. The Court adjourning a trial the week before the trial date & not informing anyone. Everyone turned up for trial 2. My client being produced at the wrong court 3. Crown not serving evidence until the day of trial

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

6 years

Hello from Newcastle! I’m a Young Criminal Legal Aid Lawyer and I’m delighted to finally get a copy of ‘Stories of Law and How It’s Broken’ by @BarristerSecret . Thank you for shining a light on the crisis that is our criminal justice system. #LegalAidMatters #TheLawIsBroken

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

I’ve witnessed and experienced the criminal justice system radically change in the last 18 months. It is impossible to run a practice without it significantly impacting on your physical and mental health. I’ve had two doses of burn out in the last 12 months.

The Secret Barrister

@BarristerSecret

3 years

This is an increasing problem. The government deliberately ran up a huge backlog in the courts in the hope that the public wouldn’t notice. Meanwhile they forced many criminal practitioners out of the profession by making the pay and conditions intolerable. 🐔➡️🏠➡️Roost.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

. @TheLawSociety have responded to @BorisJohnson ’s attack on the legal profession.

The Law Society

@TheLawSociety

3 years

In response to the Prime Minister's comments about the role of defence in rape cases today 1/6

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

5 years

Wow! - MUST READ. This is a truly phonomenal article by an anonymous police officer in London. I may give this officer a hard time during pre interview disclosure, but I respect this accurate account a great deal an incredible amount. "The job is f*****"

I’m a police officer in London. Here’s why we’ve lost control of the streets | Anonymous

Cuts mean we can no longer keep ourselves or the public safe, says an anonymous Metropolitan police officer

www.theguardian.com

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Political gaslighting.

Dominic Raab

@DominicRaab

3 years

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The diaries of criminal lawyers are completely unworkable. I am genuinely trying my best every day to make it work, and the honest truth is that the system is so dysfunctional, and it's causing havoc every single day. Government do not appear to appreciate this concept.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

The backlog in the Crown Court is 58k; @DominicRaab & @Dines4Dales refuse to pass an SI that applies a % uplift to backlogged cases; it would cost circa £60m. What I want to know is what did @MoJGovUK do with the £240m saved during COVID? Did you lose it?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

[Thread] The Backlog in the Criminal Courts The backlog in the Crown Court is circa 70,000+ The Autumn Budget announcement claimed the backlog is caused by the pandemic. This is a lie...

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Having considered Sir Christopher Bellamy QC’s independent report on criminal legal aid, and today’s response from the Govt, I am of the view it is no where near the amount alleged. A master class in deception. The profession ought to reject it. I hope @TheCriminalBar take action

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Nothing to see here. The @MoJGovUK press release is nothing new; it is the same spin and deception. They even have the audacity to quote investment figures which they know not to be true. Every solicitor and barrister should ignore this press release.

Catherine Baksi

@legalhackette

2 years

BREAKING: Government fast-tracking legislation in July to increase fees for criminal barristers & solicitors by 15%, in line with recommendations in Bellamy review -- @MoJGovUK says it'll give extra £7,000 a year to barristers.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

5 years

University pro bono law clinics will not and should not, plug the legal aid gap.

Legal Cheek

@legalcheek

5 years

Pro bono clinic hopes to ‘plug the gap’ left by legal aid

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Shadow Lord Chancellor @SteveReedMP is absolutely bang on. Years of underfunding have resulted in indefinite industrial action starting today by @TheCriminalBar . The backlog was, as a matter of fact, substantially rising well before the pandemic it us. The system has imploded.

Sky News

@SkyNews

2 years

"The criminal justice system is absolutely broken." Labour's Steve Reed says barristers are protesting because of the "disarray" in the system and the govt's failure to "properly fund legal aid". #KayBurley 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233, YouTube

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

1 year

Reports suggest Alex Chalk KC MP is to become the new Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. Legal aid lawyers will vividly remember Mr Chalk - a criminal barrister - doing precisely nothing for legal aid lawyers during the pandemic when he was Legal Aid Minister.

Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Former Legal Aid Minister @AlexChalkChelt MP is now the Prison Minister at @MoJGovUK Mr Chalk has done very little for legal aid & in my view is partly responsible for the negative trajectory of the profession, particularly March 2020 onwards Not evening a shilling or a pence

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

The Lord Chancellor @RobertBuckland will have a lot to answer for when COVID-19 is over. LC was warned about judicial sitting days for Recorders regarding the Crown Court backlog. LC was warned about legal aid. The collapse of criminal justice is on LC and his predecessors.

The Secret Barrister

@BarristerSecret

4 years

Dear @RobertBuckland . This is how jurors are feeling. This man, and hundreds like him, is expected to make a decision affecting someone’s liberty. How on earth can this be fair to anybody involved?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

As the Govt attempts to blame @TheCriminalBar for the backlog in the Crown Court increasing, I would like to showcase the raw data & disprove @MoJGovUK Pre-pandemic baseline: 39k Current: 58k Data shows the backlog increasing prior to pandemic in most of the Crown Courts

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Recently, the chap who runs the local coffee shop next to my local court said to me how noticeable it was that all of the lawyers are burnt out - “I can see it and it’s written all over your faces” It resonated because I think it’s true.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

1 year

A backlog of over 60k cases in the Crown Court, yet the system is literally unable to open 1/4 of the court estate - lack of advocates & judges. Even if we operated at full capacity, questions must be asked of our resilience to sustain the current environment. Burn out.

Court_Stats

@Court_Stats

1 year

📈Today, 03 April 2023, 129 out of the 498 Crown Court Rooms in England & Wales will not be sitting. That's 26% of them. #courtstats #CS03042023

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

1 year

The coal face of legal aid is grim. The work is relentless. The pressure is often unbearable. I actually think it’s a dangerous environment; working to earn a living in an unsustainable system. As the system and the people start to buckle, alarm bells ring loud and clear.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

I love it when you have one of those days at work when nothing goes right, and you end up ordering a 15 inch pizza and a tub of ice cream. It says "serves 4", but we all know how this situation is going to end.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Many will argue Grayling is the worst Lord Chancellor we have ever had. That said, Buckland is not far away from taking that title. It’s difficult to comprehend a former criminal barrister and Recorder doing little, if anything, to save our justice system. Goodness gracious me.

Idle Courts

@CourtsIdle

4 years

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Lord Chancellor @DominicRaab does not appear to understand criminal vs civil. Raab quotes “civil legal advice” in a criminal context🤷🏻‍♂️ He accepts criminal legal aid has not been on a sustainable footing…yet he continues to ignore the independent review / Lord Bellamy KC🤷🏻‍♂️

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Today, one of the most senior judges in the country, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, confirmed in his oral evidence before the Justice Committee that there is a shortage of criminal lawyers due to poor pay. @CrimeSolicitors @lccsa @TheCriminalBar @BarristerSecret

Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Q: is there a shortage of lawyers? LCJ: there is a problem in criminal profession. Likely reason is relentless reduction of real rates in remuneration over the last 50 yrs. Law Soc did heat maps. Legal aid deserts. Increase in average age solicitors. Everything you need to know

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

In light of the untoward attack on accents, I hereby announce the ‘caution competition’ Whether you’re a police officer, prosecutor, defence lawyer or whoever else, I’d very much like you to share with me and the wider Twitter community, the police caution in YOUR accent.

Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

“You daint have to say NOWT. But listen to me, RIGHT. It may harm ya shield and arma, if ye daint tell iz now. Cause the Court waint be best pleased, MATE. Anything you say now, may be uuuuused against ya. So what ya afta?”

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Matt, your party closed 600 police station, 50% of courts, reduced prosecutions by circa 50%, destroyed probation, slashed the CPS, brought about RUI, and decimated legal aid. The real consequence is the public’s inability to access justice.

Matt Vickers

@Matt_VickersMP

4 years

I am one of the 125 Conservative MPs to back plans for a new Desecration of War Memorials Bill. There should be real consequences and tougher sanctions for those who vandalise war memorials.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

5 years

Broadcasting the Supreme Court prorogation case makes me think it would be rather interesting to broadcast every single Crown Court too. The difference would be clear by the end of day 1. It might actually shine some light on the crisis that is our justice system.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Criminal barristers have voted to indefinitely walk out of the Crown Court b/c of inadequate legal aid rates. They also received no financial support during the pandemic. Solicitors are in the same invidious position, but the leadership refuses to galvanise its members.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The Lord Chancellor @DominicRaab is simply wrong. The MOJ’s own data deriving from CLAR’s data sharing agreement quite literally proves the concept of a depleting workforce of lawyers who are able to defend and prosecute Duck, dive & deny. The Govt’s mantra Shameful.

Tamara Cohen

@tamcohen

3 years

Mr Raab also: - denied there is a workforce crisis with criminal lawyers/judges to take cases - said “difficult decisions” had to be made on justice funding 2010-16 but it’s rising now - backed short sentences and said he did not expect prison population to fall on his watch

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

6 years

[Thread] I’m bloody delighted to advise @TuckersLaw have officially offered me a training contract. I’ve always wanted to be a criminal lawyer - I’ll take great pride providing legal aid and access to justice as a Trainee Solicitor. However, there’s huge issues...

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

This is utter nonsense. The Justice Minister states "our modelling suggests", yet he and his Dept are yet to publish their methodology. The reality is, 15% simply isn't true. It is a lie. And it isn't good news for solicitors & barristers. He should debate @JoSidhuQC in public.

James Cartlidge 🇬🇧 🇺🇦

@james4ssuffolk

2 years

It’s now for certain - in July we’ll legislate to increase most criminal legal aid fees by 15%. New rates apply from 30 Sept 2022 to schemes inc: police station; magistrates; AGFS & parts of LGFS. Good news for criminal barristers & solicitors. My stmt👇

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

This is a mind blowing statistic. 3 thousand applications for 246 pupillages. ...and then you’ve gotta get tenancy and if you’re at the publicly funded bar, survive on legal aid rates 🤯

@[email protected]

@SeanJonesKC

3 years

More organisations offering Pupillages this year. Timetable is now same whether or not you use the gateway. Gateway stats: 2020 - 2k applicants 237 Pupillages. This year - 3000 applications for 246. Wrong for system to encourage that level of disparity.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

This is one of the most extraordinary media articles with regards to criminal law and procedure. It is jaw-dropping. It is completely and utterly perverse. It is morally wrong. It is politically shambolic. It is an absolute disgrace.

Delays leave man facing four years in Leicester jail without trial

Exclusive: Case of Voja Petkovic highlights pressures on criminal justice that campaigners warn is leading to miscarriages of justice

www.theguardian.com

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

BREAKING: @TheLawSociety (TLS) rejects the Govt’s Response to the Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review. TLS do not believe publicly funded defence is economically viable following the Govt’s “botched response” that is “woefully inadequate” THREAD…

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Law lecturers across England and Wales are going to struggle explaining the rule of law and of course professional obligations contained therein the various Codes of Conduct.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

. @KieranMullanUK MP suggests members of the judiciary have said to him that criminal barristers are not "professionally and proficiently managing cases" Perhaps he would like to clarify this sensational claim?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

1 year

Prisons Minister @DamianHinds blames @TheCriminalBar for increased remand times due to industrial action. Perhaps he would care to explain Released Under Investigation, restrictions on judicial sitting days, court closures & lack of advocates/judges?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

How a Justice Minister ( @CPhilpOfficial ) can keep a straight face when saying 'the Crown court prior to Covid-19 was ‘low by historical standards’ is beyond me This Govt caused the backlog. It is responsible for it. It ducks and dives. It isn't fooling me

Loughborough in line for new ‘super-court’

Question mark still hangs over the future of 12 Nightingale courts with licences that expire next month.

www.lawgazette.co.uk

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

As @TheCriminalBar looks to strike on Monday, it’s worth reminding ourselves what the Govt did for barristers and solicitors during the pandemic. A former criminal barrister was in charge at the time, and that was @AlexChalkChelt MP. What did he do? Absolutely nothing.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Criminal defence requires a rich tapestry of lawyers. It is time we stood up for ourselves. We as a profession cannot in good conscience represent people in a police station or a court, if we cannot defend the profession that represents the vulnerable.

Diversity of criminal bar at risk as junior barristers forced to quit

Secret Barrister blogger says those from lower income backgrounds cannot afford to stay in profession

www.theguardian.com

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Chambers statements are starting to flood out in support of @TheCriminalBar . No returns kicks in on Monday - it’s going to cause total chaos in the criminal courts. The bottom line is, it’s not 15% - we’ve been treated with contempt and it’s time to fight back.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

As @TheCriminalBar gear up for industrial action, @DominicRaab claims solicitors & barristers have been offered 15%. This is factually not true - it’s a lie. The CLAR impact assessment states otherwise & that it’s based on unknown case mix in 2024/25. A masterclass in deception.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Today, 36% of the 501 Crown Court rooms are sitting idle. @MoJGovUK can claim they’ve removed the cap on unlimited judicial sitting days that they once actively suppressed. But the reality is, there’s not enough judges/lawyers to service serious offences, thanks to this Govt.

Court_Stats

@Court_Stats

2 years

📈Today, 5 August 2022, 181 out of the 501 Crown Court Rooms in England & Wales will not be sitting. That's 36% of them. #courtstats #CS05082022

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Thank you, Lord Wolfson Q.C. The Legal Aid Minister has agreed to let me show him around Highbury Magistrates' Court. This is going to be interesting.

David Wolfson

@DXW_KC

3 years

@sdavieslaw Although I wouldn’t normally mention Liverpool and Highbury in the same sentence (remember I grew up pre-Emirates), I’d be happy to accept your invitation when diary permits. And as to CLAR, it’s an independent review so let’s wait and see.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The Victims Commissioner is blaming the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) when it comes to rape prosecutions. The same CPS that has had its budget cut, as have the police, courts and legal aid. Blaming the CPS is unhelpful amid an ideology that will not adequately fund justice.

Victims' Commissioner for England & Wales

@VictimsComm

3 years

The latest CPS figures on rape prosecutions are incredibly worrying. The government’s ambition to return to 2016/17 prosecution levels feels more like a pipedream and victims will continue to be failed unless the @CPSUK rapidly and urgently ups the ante.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

I’m one of the youngest criminal defence solicitors in England and @TheLawSociety are rightly stating criminal law is no longer attractive or sustainable as a career. What I want to know is this: what is going to be done about it?

The Law Society

@TheLawSociety

2 years

⚖️ The @lawsocgazette covers criminal defence barristers’ direct action, which began this week. “Criminal law is no longer an attractive career option for young solicitors or barristers… We understand why barristers have chosen to take this action”

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The ⁦ @MagsAssoc ⁩ believes it is “well placed” to sentence people to 12m in prison, ie increasing their sentencing power from the current maximum which is 6m. Well, to be perfectly honest, ⁦ @BevHiggs ⁩ I couldn’t disagree more.

Backlog of crown court cases denies women justice | Letters

Letters: If magistrates’ jurisdiction could be increased to a 12-month custodial sentence for a single offence, it would ease the burden on crown courts, writes Bev Higgs

www.theguardian.com

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

You would think that @libertyhq would know better. This is truly shocking advice from an organisation that stands up for human rights and access to justice. This is bad advice, plain and simple. You should absolutely ask for the Duty Solicitor if you do not have your own.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

6 years

Hello @BarristerSecret - how many CPD points are you worth this evening?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Divided & conquered: death by a thousand cuts continues when it comes to publicly funded criminal defence. Suspending action simply means we will find ourselves in the same position in years to come without a pay review body / index linking. Junior lawyers will leave. I despair.

CrimeLine

@CrimeLineLaw

2 years

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

@DrRebeccaTidy You’re conflating private fees vs legal aid. I can introduce you to many of these barristers.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

Utter chaos. The Crown Court trial backlog stood at 37,000. For every month that passes without jury trials, 1,000 are added to the backlog. It’s all just a false economy. They’re spending billions elsewhere. This is an ideological price on justice.

Coronavirus and suspended jury trials — resuming ‘won’t solve the backlog crisis’

Every month of jury trial suspension has added 1,000 cases to the mountainous backlog in the crown courts, it was revealed yesterday.Lord Burnett of Maldon, the lord chief justice, issued a stark...

www.thetimes.co.uk

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

The backlog in the criminal courts has exponentially risen over recent years, well before the pandemic - 2018-2020 provides a factual basis for this. The big issue for Govt is the outstanding trial backlog - Q1 of 2022 shows a rise. Don’t be fooled by the Govt spin.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

. @Laura__Farris raises the issue of disparity of income for female & male barristers following the Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid by Sir Christopher Bellamy QC Raab completely fails to answer the issue. The Govt response fails to address the problem @TheCriminalBar

Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

The Govt have ignored the disparity of income for female vs male barristers / support for junior barristers More investigation needed/shift the responsibility onto the profession. What have Govt actually been doing for 4 years?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

It isn’t fair. It isn’t fair on the defendants - those accused. It isn’t fair on the complainants - potential victims. It isn’t fair on lawyers, court staff & police - who end up wasting time & money. It isn’t fair on me, & it isn’t fair on you - the tax payer!

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

8 months

Dear @Pauline_Latham MP Following the independent review on criminal legal aid by Lord Bellamy KC (Conservative Peer), published on 15 December 2021, it’s right to say that the legal aid system is on its knees and that more money is required. That’s true isn’t it?

CrimeLine

@CrimeLineLaw

8 months

Of course, Lucy Letby herself received £0. My only surprise is that the total costs are so low given the complexity, gravity and length of the trial.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

Legal aid is now a crisis within a crisis within a crisis. There’s been no increase in the rates since the 90s, followed by a 8.75% cut in ‘14 & several attempts to cut thereafter (‘18 for example). The ‘18 accelerated items have been grossly overestimated…

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

5 years

Police Station consultation rooms that close and lock, leaving lawyer unable to leave unless someone opens from the outside, are disasters waiting to happen. Emergency and non-emergency buzzers are not good enough. It will take a death for something to be done about it.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

Lawyers in Scotland are taking absolutely zero nonsense in relation to legal aid and more recently, the removal of a solicitor from a court for an unknown reason. Power to each and every lawyer who is taking a zero tolerance approach, and of course, defending the rule of law.

Edinburgh Bar Assoc.

@EdinBarAssoc

3 years

We have sent the letter noted on our website at to the Sheriff Clerks at Edinburgh noting the action we are taking in response to yesterday's intrusion into work being carried out by one of our representatives in the Court cells.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

House of Commons, Justice Committee, Court Capacity (HC 69, 27 April 2022) “Delays in the Crown Court have reached a point where they are causing significant injustice” @CommonsJustice

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

@DrRebeccaTidy You objectively are conflating the two as it’s impossible to earn £750 ph via legal aid. As for your other point, the state does indeed provide us with clients as it’s the state who brings about the charge. We expect adequate remuneration in line with the state. But it isn’t.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

6 years

I shan’t shut up about the legal aid crisis. It’s disgustingly horrifying. I disagree that it’s a two tier system. It’s so much worse. It’s a three tier justice system. Legal aid, privately paying and the worst category is ineligible for legal aid but cannot afford private. Awful

Emily Dugan

@emilydugan

6 years

Exclusive - Britain’s equalities watchdog is launching an official inquiry into whether legal aid cuts have left victims of discrimination barred from justice

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

I’m on call tonight. And it’s the same fixed fee as it was years and years and years ago when it comes to representing suspects in custody. I’m not sure this profession can take it any more when we’re being repeatedly rinsed. We are all tired of propping up the sinking ship.

Karl Turner

@KarlTurnerMP

4 years

@Hippiepig £45 hourly rate then would represent circa £92 p/h now with inflation taken into account.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

History will judge @JoSidhuQC as someone willing to stand up & fight for the criminal legal aid profession. “If you fight, you won’t always win. But if you don’t fight, you will always lose” - Bob Crow Thank you, Jo.

The CBA

@TheCriminalBar

2 years

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The backlog was made worse by the pandemic, but it was not caused by it. Every single day the criminal justice system plummets to new lows. We are currently struggling to prosecute the most serious offences. If we want a functioning justice system, it needs adequate resources.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

3 years

The data sharing agreement as part of the Criminal Legal Aid Review has now resulted in published data of the criminal legal aid market.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

A friend of mine who is in his 30s is about to join the CPS. He’s a duty solicitor and a higher court advocate. He is one of many criminal defence solicitors leaving. The CPS are very lucky to have him, but it’s yet another reminder of the unsustainable nature of legal aid.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

5 years

Terribly sorry to hear this news. Utterly infuriating and deeply worrying for all those that remain doing legal aid.

Ewing Law

@EwingLaw1

5 years

It is with sadness that we announce that Ewing Law has closed our legal aid department & will now focus on private criminal defence only. It was a hard decision but the attack on legal aid has forced our hand. Public funding can no longer provide the service our clients deserve.

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

4 years

I estimate the average time spent in a police cell before the police ‘allocate’ the job to an OIC is around 12 hours, followed by average time spent in custody altogether around 18 hours. Question I have is what on earth do the police do for 12 hours? Expeditious? Diligence?

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

I think the word you are looking for is "complainant". Language is important. Imagine being accused of a serious offence and all the jury hear is that the person making the complaint has already been deemed by the justice system and media to be a "victim".

Sky News

@SkyNews

2 years

Prosecutors could be required to meet victims of crime before making decisions on whether a suspect should be charged

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Stephen Davies

@sdavieslaw

2 years

The backlog in the criminal courts prior to the pandemic is best illustrated via the raw date published by @MoJGovUK . If anyone in Govt attempts to blame the backlog on practitioners on strike, take a look at the uplift between 2018-2020. Pre pandemic: 39k Current backlog: 58k

Rachel Cunliffe

@RMCunliffe

2 years

Re scandalous court backlog - and how it long predates Covid - I wrote this last year. Key point: in January 2020 the average time taken for a crown court case to go from offence to completion was 525 days. It's not about Covid, it's about cuts

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