A separate legal jurisdiction for Wales

20 June 2012

Introduction

We believe that there are some general principles that should inform decision on a Welsh jurisdiction. All citizens in Wales should:

have ready access to justice
be able to find out what law applies in their circumstances
be able to identify easily which elected representatives have the power to change that law
be able to use English or Welsh in proceedings.

In a law-making Wales, citizens and organisations need to have:

an awareness of the law: this requires that we have access to legislation; are alerted to proposals for change; are aware of cases involving that law
an opportunity to contribute to its development, for example responding to consultations; reporting on how regulations are impacting; suggesting changes
a sense of responsibility for, and ownership of, Welsh law, so that people are supportive of the law in general, but can call for change if necessary, or hold the law-makers to account.