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The full extent of self-representation for imprisonable offences in the magistrates’ court is not well...
Conclusion
The full extent of self-representation for imprisonable offences in the magistrates’ court is not well understood because the government does not publish reliable data. Best available estimates suggest it could be as high as 50%, which creates an unacceptably high risk of miscarriages of justice. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23)
Source
Committee
Justice Committee
Inquiry
Access to Justice
Report
3rd Report – Access to Justice: Legal Aid
17 Jul 2026
HC 541
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Report published
17 Jul 2026