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Feature on Centre for Justice - CAMDEN NEW JOURNAL
COMMUNITIES
CAMDEN
NEW JOURNAL - 2 JULY 2009 BY TOM FOOT
The Centre for Justice, an independent service which aims to resolve disputes without the need for parties to go to court, is being piloted in Camden before going nationwide.
Anthony Hurndall, a well-known property lawyer, believes it could provide an alternative for those who find the court system too expensive.
He said: "If you have a dispute, the Centre simply appoints an investigator, who is an experienced lawyer from their panel, to investigate and decide the issues in dispute. There is no need for the parties to hire their own lawyers.
"There are no complex procedures and no formal hearings."
The investigator's conclusion is a legally binding outcome that has the "same force as a high court judge."
"The parties will have to pay something - but the costs will be absolutely minimal compared to the cost of going to court," said Mr Hurndall.
"We are throwing open the system to the 99 per cent of people who cannot afford to go to court. We will be working with area forums and going out into the community."
The service is designed for private and business disputes of all kinds including landlord and tenant, property, insurance, partnership, business, finance, accidents, and employment.
The Centre for Justice was welcomed by councillors at a meeting in the Town Hall earlier this month.
Councillor Andrew Marshall, Camden Council's executive member for community development and planning, said: "The Centre for Justice is a welcome addition to the borough's already rich array of legal services, offering an alternative route for litigants."
For more information on the Centre for Justice contact 020 7920 0018.
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