The price of justice

Deputy Tadier is calling for a review of the legal aid system

A CAMPAIGN to give ordinary Islanders access to the justice system is under way, with one States Member saying that high legal fees are crippling for some people involved in civil court cases.

Deputy Montfort Tadier says that lower- and middle-income earners who do not qualify for legal aid are racking up large debts to go to court, and that some are forced to sell their homes to fund legal action.

The Deputy said: ‘Some people who have access to legal aid can keep fighting an issue in court, but people who own their own home but are not necessarily wealthy can rack up huge debts and may have to sell the family home to pay.’

Jersey’s unique justice system, which requires English solicitors to retrain as advocates before they can represent clients in court, has contributed to a shortage of legal minds in the Island and has helped to drive up costs, says the Deputy. 

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