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Legal aid review 'must be questioned'

Public Defender Unit part of SAVE programme

A lawyer and member of the Legislative Council says a review of the Island's legal aid system must consider the rights of defendants as well as cost savings.

The idea of a new Public Defender Unit - which would see a permanent board of advocates employed directly by government - has been touted as an alternative to the legal aid system.

It's one of the ideas Treasury is keen to progress as part of the SAVE scheme.

But it's raised concerns over how much would actually be saved, and whether the judiciary and central government should be working so closely together.

Jane Poole-Wilson MLC says she does not reject the proposal - but it must be fully investigated.

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