Justice Delayed? Courts, Prisons and the Right to a Lawyer Episode

Why does funding legal advice matter and how law affects everyone in society and why delays in courts and overcrowded prisons are becoming a serious problem.  Alma-Constance and Lucinda explore what’s happening inside the UK’s justice system with Richard Atkinson, criminal defence solicitor with more than 30 years’ experience and the 180th President of the Law Society of England and Wales. In this episode we discussWhy criminal trials are now scheduled  four years into the future, what prison overcrowding means for justiceWhy legal aid is such an important public serviceHow early legal advice can prevent problems in areas like housing and  family lifeWhether the age of criminal responsibility should be raisedThe importance of investing in courts, lawyers and modern technologyRichard also shares a powerful story from his career defending children and young people and that when he was 10 years old he wanted to be an RAF pilot and fly fast jets!Together we discuss how the justice system works, why funding matters, and how law affects everyone in society — even if we don’t think about it every day.As always, Kids Law helps young people understand how laws affect them — and how they can shape the future.If you have worries or need support:Childline: 0800 1111 (free confidential advice for under 18)Visit: www.kidslaw.infoPlease subscribe, rate and share the podcast — and keep your brilliant questions coming.ResourcesRichard Atkinson LinkedInRichard Atkinson with Law Society GazetteThe Law SocietyTuckers SolicitorsIf you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!