The House of Commons Justice Committee has published its report on the
operation of the Family Courts. The report warns that as a result of the
Government's legal aid reforms, the courts will need to be prepared for an
increase in the number of people representing themselves when they appear
in court.
The report rejects the Family Justice Panel's
recommendation that words be added to the legislation to stress the
importance of a child maintaining a relationship with both parents. The
Committee believes such an addition is unnecessary, as the importance of
such a relationship should be obvious to all parties concerned, and
changing the wording of the legislation might lead to confusion.
The report also calls for the Government to scrap plans to allow the
media access to Family Courts. The Chair of the Justice Select Committee,
the Rt. Hon Sir Alan Beith MP said:
"Greater transparency in
the administration of family justice is much needed, but it has to be
balanced against the equally important requirement of protecting the
interests of children.
Ministers must go back to the drawing
board when it comes to granting media access to family courts and properly
consider the views of children who may be affected."
Report - Operation of the Family Courts Inquiry:
Operation of the Family Courts 
Forum 
Scotland 
