Scotland considers lay representation in courts

A Scottish Executive inquiry into competition in legal services, reports The Scotsman, will recommend that paid advocacy rights be granted to people who are not members of the Law Society of Scotland or the Faculty of Advocates. However, the move has led to fears that legal services will become less well regulated, to the cost of clients. Currently, lay representation is allowed only in the small claims court and for summary cause civil cases in the sheriff court. Supporters of the changes argue that it will make access to justice easier and cheaper for the less well-off. Full report in The Scotsman