‘Taxpayer should pay for legal aid’

THE taxpayer should foot the bill for the legal aid system, according to the lawyer who runs the system.

Jersey’s Bâtonnier, Advocate Tony Olsen, said that the system which provides legal representation for those who cannot afford it is ‘a ‘mess’ with ‘huge inconsistencies’.

He said that some criminal cases – such as the trial of drugs baron Curtis Warren and others – have been publicly funded, whereas others have not.

At the Assise d’Héritage yesterday, Advocate Olsen called for a clear, consistent, fair and publicly funded legal aid system during what is his last speech before he retires. ( from JEP)

Ah well another 5% to add to GST...