“[This country is facing] the biggest crisis in access to justice since the Second World War.” Dominic Grieve QC, Shadow Justice Secretary
It is now sixty years since Legal Aid was introduced as part of the then Labour government’s wide-reaching social reforms. However, while pensions, benefits and the NHS still command the headlines, the issue of access to justice is often overlooked. Nonetheless, like all public spending, Legal Aid is facing a severe squeeze, despite the fact that the ongoing effects of the recession mean that more and more people require assistance. At the same time ‘Tesco Law’ raises opportunities and concerns as the large supermarkets look to siphon off profitable parts of the law by selling legal services alongside the spuds. Meanwhile, Jewish and Islamic courts are making rulings on domestic issues separate from and in parallel to the British justice system.
“We are now heading … for two standards of access to justice depending on the ability to pay. When the wolf is at the door, we can no longer be accused of crying wolf.“ Ruth Deech, Bar Standards Board Chairwoman
Net Curtains Theatre Company wants to bring the difficulties facing the justice system to wider attention. This begins with an intensive week at the coalface. Our writers will consult with Legal Aid lawyers, visit police stations, attend religious courts and speak to the most vulnerable people who have been helped by or excluded from accessing the law. They will then each write a short piece based on their experiences, which will be performed in front of the very same people who have helped with the research. Following this week, the play or plays that makes the greatest impact will be taken forward to a full-length production.
Net Curtains has a track record of taking important issues and turning them into dynamic and thought-provoking theatre. Now we want to turn our attention to the provision of that most essential of human rights: justice.
” [Legal Aid is a] pillar of the welfare state.” Sir Bill Callaghan, Legal Services Commission Chairman