The Opening of the Legal Year event underscores the vital role lawyers play in safeguarding election integrity worldwide.
- Hosted by the Law Society and Bar Council, the event gathers representatives from 65 global law organisations.
- Emphasising political neutrality, the event addresses the legal profession’s influence on free and fair elections.
- UK Bar Chair highlights the justice system’s crisis and calls for sustainable funding.
- Closed-door discussions will explore law as an economic powerhouse and various election-related legal mechanisms.
As the Opening of the Legal Year commences, the legal community focuses on the pivotal role it plays in ensuring the integrity of elections globally. The Law Society and Bar Council are jointly hosting an event that brings together representatives from 65 bar associations and law societies worldwide. This gathering aims to emphasise the profession’s duty in safeguarding the democratic process.
In a firm statement, the two organising bodies noted the significance of this year’s elections, with more than half of the global population expected to vote. The discourse centres around the critical functions of lawyers in upholding the principles of democracy, particularly in maintaining free and fair elections.
Law Society president, Nick Emmerson, underscored the necessity for lawyers to uphold political neutrality. He stated, ‘With billions participating in the electoral process this year, the legal profession plays a vital role in safeguarding the cornerstone of democracy – the rules regarding free and fair elections.’ Emmerson highlighted that the legal community, made up of individuals from across the political spectrum, is united by a commitment to the legal system, the rule of law, and access to justice.
Bar Chair Sam Townend KC addressed the acute challenges facing the UK justice system, emphasising the importance of adequate funding to ensure sustainability and resilience. He remarked, ‘During the UK general election, we set out frankly and robustly the extent of the crisis in the justice system and the need to prioritise adequate funding to ensure it is sustainable and resilient going forward.’
The event also provides an opportunity for international legal professionals to exchange insights and experiences about the role of law in elections and other significant topics. These discussions include the mechanisms through which the legal sector is recognised as an economic powerhouse by government officials.
The Opening of the Legal Year event highlights the indispensable role of the legal profession in upholding democratic values and addressing justice system challenges.
