Which letter of support for McKenzie Friend Petition page 1

29 April 2009

 

PE1247/B

 

In Support of McKenzie Friends

Petition PE1247

 

I write on behalf of Which? in support of Petition PE1247, submitted by Mr Stewart Mackenzie, which calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce a McKenzie Friend facility in Scottish courts as a matter of urgency.

 

We are concerned that the inability of legal litigants in Scotland to be able to draw upon the support of a 'McKenzie Friend' in court is likely to prove a distinct disadvantage to those unable to find legal representation. The system, as you may know, has successfully operated in England and Wales for many years, allowing those who cannot access legal representation to draw upon the expertise of agencies and individuals who can provide such support. Indeed, McKenzie Friends are routinely permitted and are only denied where the judge believes it is fair or in the interests of justice to do so.

 

A McKenzie Friend typically:

Provides moral support for the litigant

Takes notes Helps with case papers and

Gives advice to the litigant on points of law, procedure and issues that the litigant may wish to raise in court.

Done