All political parties need to commit to upholding the 'rule of law', says Law Society

1 March 2010

Launching its policy manifesto "Delivering Justice" today, the Law Society called upon all political parties to commit themselves to respect fully the rule of law in everything they do.

The Society challenges all parties to commit to four major principles when campaigning and governing - if elected - after the next general election.

Ensuring meaningful access to justice for all;

Properly defending the rights of the people;

Working actively for good governance and better-law making;

Ensuring a strong and independent legal services sector for the benefit of all.

Law Society President Robert Heslett said:

"The Law Society has always worked to secure a fair and just society where the rights and liberties of citizens are properly protected. In our view all political parties need to commit publicly to ensuring that their policies support - rather than endanger - the rule of law. We risk destroying our freedoms under the law whilst we seek security. In recent years the policies of the major parties have not focused heavily enough on ensuring access to justice - and the increasing lack of availability of legal aid is a very worrying trend - the rule of law means nothing if there is no access to justice. We also need to ensure that civil rights and liberties are protected - not eroded - and that the process of governing itself is improved. All too often political parties react in a knee-jerk way to short term pressures, with legislation sometimes being rushed through with inadequate scrutiny from all sides.

He added:

"In our manifesto, published today, we focus on a return to the rule of law as our society's principle in a time of economic, social and political change. The solicitors' profession has been crucial, over the years, in supporting and maintaining the 'rule of law' and it remains committed to this. However, it is important that politicians of all parties themselves commit to supporting the rule of law both in their campaigning and governing. We challenge them to support our four principles."