“The Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) have sent a briefing paper to members of the House of Lords, bringing to their attention their continued concerns about some aspects of the Coroners and Justice Bill. The Bill, which will enter Report Stage in the House of Lords today, addresses a broad range of provisions within the criminal justice system, including the inquest system; clarifying the law on encouraging and assisting suicide; special measures for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses; the introduction of a Sentencing Council; and an enabling provision to regulate Damages Based Agreements (DBAs) through statutory instrument. The briefing paper, sent to members of the House of Lords as they return for the final few weeks of the 2008-9 parliamentary session, sets out the views of the Bar Council and CBA on these issues, which remain a concern to both organisations.”
The Bar Council, 21st October 2009
Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk
