Legal aid system fails the innocent
How has this disgraceful and shocking turn of events transpired? David Norris, the racist murderer of Stephen Lawrence, is awarded legal aid to sue the prison service, but the parents of Charlie Gard, fighting to save their boy’s life, are awarded nothing.
What is going on in this country? Where are our morals, where is our empathy?
For the legal aid system to prioritise a killer above a sick baby’s family is a disgrace.
The present system is undeniably unfit for purpose. A J Smith, March, Cambs # What is this country coming to when the parents of Charlie Gard are denied legal aid, while a killer gets support so he can sue prison chiefs after being attacked?
There is something wrong with our system. It seems obvious that due to the Tory cuts to legal aid, we are giving help to the wrong people.
Meanwhile, Chris Gard and Connie Yates prepare to say goodbye
to their treasured son. Dave Mellor Warrington, Cheshire # The legal cases of Charlie Gard’s parents and David Norris are different and cannot be compared. While I do believe Charlie’s parents should have received legal aid in their fight for treatment for their child, prisoners – even murderers – have a right to be safe while serving their sentences. If this wasn’t the case, our prison system would descend into anarchy, with prisoners dishing out their own justice. This can’t be allowed to happen in a civilised society. M Liddle, South London # We need an overhaul of the justice system and legal aid. We need a new breed of tough politicians who aren’t afraid to offend people and make monumental changes.
One change I would support is that people who are convicted of serious crimes lose some of their human rights.
I believe the penal system should be reformed so that 23-hour lock-ins are the norm, with meals consisting of basic food and water.
Family visits should be one hour a month and TV viewing limited to an hour a day.
Basically, this means turning prison back into what it should be – punishment. Catriona White Nichol Glasgow # Why are my taxes being used to allow a killer of Stephen Lawrence legal aid when the parents of Charlie Gard are not allowed it?
It is disgraceful. How can the Government deem it fair to give killers the right to legal aid?
But they will do what they want regardless – after all they don’t care
what minions like me think. K McKean, Norwich # It is beyond belief that a convicted killer can get legal aid but anyone in desperate need of it, such as the parents of little Charlie Gard, cannot. Sadly, it appears that criminals are more cosseted by the law than decent people. This what real inequality means. David Winterbottom Oldham Gtr Manchester # In some cases the poor can’t get legal aid to fight for their rights, yet Stephen Lawrence’s killer is given help to sue prison bosses. The system is all wrong. So much for this “caring” Tory Government. Tracy Mawby, Leicester