Is the legal aid service inefficient and poorly run?

An empty court room at the Auckland High Court. Photo / Greg Bowker

The Government has announced a comprehensive package of reforms to the legal aid system.

The changes come after a damning report from Dame Margaret Bazley, which pointed to system-wide failings. Her key recommendations are to be implemented over two years. They include steps to monitor the competency of legal aid lawyers.

A Public Defence Service will be expanded to Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton, so that defence lawyers will be salaried staff, rather than contracted.

Is the legal aid service inefficient and poorly run? Here is the latest selection of Your Views: