Description
TLC ZOOM
MONDAY 2nd December 2024
Where is the Justice?
Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC
(Lord Chancellor 21st April 2023 – 5th July 2024)
“Justice delayed is justice denied” is a legal maxim that essentially means courts take too long to hear cases, which can be unfair to the injured party.
What can be done to speed up matters?
Then consider the fact that in England and Wales we have the highest incarceration rate in Europe. Our prisons are almost full to capacity (approaching 90000) – hence the recent panic early release of offenders and the promise to build even more prisons. Do we really have the most wicked criminal fraternity in Europe that requires such level of imprisonment? What are the alternatives that will satisfy the need for Justice to be seen to be done.
In mid October the new Labour Lord Chancellor and justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood announced that David Gauke, a previous Conservative predecessor, has been asked to carry out a full sentencing review to include tough alternatives to custody.
Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC was Shabana Mahmood’s immediate predecessor and was highly regarded by all in the role. He recently wrote an excellent piece in the Daily Telegraph putting forward a 5 point plan considering in depth the changes he views as necessary. In addition Alex will reflect on other crucial changes that he sees as vital to restore confidence in the Judicial system.
Biography
During sixteen years at the Bar, prosecuted and defended in widely reported cases, including serious fraud (acting for the Serious Fraud Office ‘A’ Panel, the FCA and others). He also appeared in cases of terrorism, homicide and serious sexual violence. Alex has practised in courts ranging from the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) to the Court of Appeal.
In 2015 Alex was elected MP for Cheltenham. During the following nine years he secured over £180m of investment for the town, successfully opposed plans to close the town’s A&E and pursued his agenda of promoting opportunity and social mobility in his constituency.
Alex served as Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice, HM Solicitor General and Minister of State for Defence Procurement. He was the first Cheltenham MP since the seat’s creation in 1832 to sit in Cabinet.
Alex is married with three children and splits his time between London and Cheltenham
