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Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 February 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 March 2017. It was answered by Lord Keen of Elie (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 March 2017 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Legal Profession: Conduct

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to consult on the creation of a fully independent body able to investigate and to rule on the ethics, conduct and behaviour of lawyers, with the ability to bring criminal prosecutions against solicitors and barristers for breaches of the law.

Answer

The UK’s world leading legal services industry is based on the talent and professionalism of those who work within it.

The legal profession in England and Wales is independent from government, as are the bodies that regulate it. The Law Society is the body with statutory authority to regulate solicitors. It is required to ensure the independence of its regulatory function, which is delivered through the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority.

It would be for the police to investigate any allegations of criminal conduct. If the police consider, after investigation, that there is a case to answer they will place the matter before the Crown Prosecution Service for action.

Where an issue of public concern needs investigating, the Minister may cause an inquiry to be held under the Inquiries Act 2005. There are no current plans to set up an inquiry into the ethics of lawyers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5590
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Conduct Legal profession Ethics Prosecutions Regulation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk