June 30, 2008

American-style fees were introduced widely in 2000, but ministers in the Labour government say experience indicates that the device "is open to abuse and failing to widen access to justice" and are going to consider revisions, per Frances Gibb in The Times:

Bridget Prentice, the junior justice minister, says that there are growing concerns about how the arrangements work. She told MPs: "We are aware of growing concerns that 'no win, no fee' arrangements may not always be operating in the interests of access to justice.

"This includes a perception that consumer interests are not always being best served, allegations over the possible misuse of 'no win, no fee' agreements and a potential adverse impact on the administration of justice.

"We feel now is the appropriate time for a comprehensive, objective and evidence-based examination of the operation of 'no win, no fee' arrangements in relation to personal injury, employment and defamation/privacy cases."