UK Courts Face Access Failures for Disabled Jurors and Lawyers, Undermining Justice Despite Equality Act
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 14
UK Courts Face Access Failures for Disabled Jurors and Lawyers, Undermining Justice Despite Equality Act
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 14
Summary
BBC interviews found disabled jurors, lawyers and social workers still face stair-only courtrooms, broken lifts and missing accessible toilets, sometimes forcing them out of cases or out of the profession.
Guildford, Paisley, Edmonton and Wandsworth courts featured in accounts of jurors feeling exposed to defendants' families and a barrister joining a hearing on Teams from 10 metres away because a lift was out.
The BBC said accessibility information also varies widely across courts in England and Wales, while the Ministry of Justice told it detailed facility data is not centrally available.
A Magistrates' Association report said inaccessibility has damaged morale and caused resignations, warning that inaccessible buildings undermine the efficient administration of justice.
HM Courts and Tribunals Service said it is working with disability groups, listing cases at suitable venues and training staff on reasonable adjustments, while Scottish courts pointed to juror guidance and liaison officers.