Jan 6 4:56 PM

Trial lawyers stage walkout over UK legal aid cuts

Barristers protest outside of Southwark Crown Court on January 6, 2014 in London, England.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images.
The Stream (Al Jazeera)

Trial lawyers in the UK staged a half-day walkout on Monday to protest against government cuts to legal aid. The demonstration by the barristers - the UK justice system's public advocates in court proceedings - marks the first walkout in the history of the UK's Criminal Bar Association (CBA), which dates back to the 13th century.

The proposed 30 percent cuts to legal aid could leave barristers earning as little as £20 (approximately $33) per day. Many barristers draw all or nearly all of their income from Britain's £2 billion (or $3.28 billion) legal aid fund, which pays for court representation for those who cannot afford it.  The protesters say the cuts will drive people away from their profession and affect access to justice. 

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