It’s going to be a lot easier for barristers and solicitors to get into court in future, with a queue-skipping initiative planned and a smartphone identity system under development to tackle ‘airport-style security’ searches.
The app, currently being developed by the Bar Council, will be used as part of HM Courts and Tribunals professional entry scheme pilot, which was announced this week.
Meanwhile, five courts will take part in the pilot, starting in September, at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, Maidstone Combined Court; Southwark Crown Court, Tameside Magistrates’ Court and Wood Green Crown Court. Legal professionals will be able to enter court buildings without being searched.
Registration begins this month and the pilot starts in September. Barristers can access their new ID at the MyBar portal, where they can download a photo and unique barcode.
Solicitors taking part in the pilot will use hard copy ID, and court staff will check their names against a paper list under a process agreed with the Law Society. A separate pilot will operate nationally for Criminal Law Solicitors Association members.
Andrew Walker QC, chair of the Bar, said: ‘Barristers across the country have been telling us about lengthy delays and sometimes intrusive, unnecessary or excessive security measures being imposed on them when trying to enter to court buildings.
‘We were hearing stories of barristers being forced to prove their drinks were not dangerous, having essential electronic devices confiscated, and having their private belongings searched in public.’
Christina Blacklaws, Law Society president, said: ‘There is no doubt that easier access will benefit our members and we welcome this sensible initiative.’
