Lawyers’ protest set to disrupt criminal hearings

CRIMINAL cases due for hearing at Dublin’s circuit and district courts could be disrupted today as a group of lawyers protest over cuts to the legal aid system.

A number of criminal law solicitors and barristers, members of the Criminal Law Practitioners Organisation (CLPO), are planning to withdraw their services at the six district courts at the Criminal Courts of Justice. The CLPO has estimated that up to 200 cases could be affected.

According to the Courts Service, it will be up to judges to decide, in each case, what action should be taken.