Talking about the rule of law and access to justice

Talking about the rule of law and access to justice offers ways to build the understanding and support we need to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice. These tools offer both a means of repair, and a buffer against any future threats.

The rule of law and access to justice are vital to everyday life in England and Wales. They underpin our social, political and economic systems. A strong rule of law and full access to justice not only ensures our society can function, but that it can function well.

Yet over the last 20 years, the rule of law and access to justice have been undermined. Cuts to court funding, legal education and legal aid have made it harder for justice to be done.

And both the rule of law and our justice system have been positioned as opponents to the public good. Claims of ‘lefty lawyers’ and judges as ‘enemies of the people’ endangering the national interest have entered, and remain, in public discourse.

The targeting of immigration lawyers and legal advice centres during the 2024 riots shows the real life consequences of this narrative – and the need for a new story. When important ideas become fraught, overlooked or even weaponised, it’s time to find new ways to talk about them.

FrameWorks UK has worked with the Law Society of England and Wales and advocates across the fields of law and justice to meet this challenge. Together, we have developed a framing strategy to build understanding of the rule of law and access to justice. To help people see the rule of law and access to justice as vital to everyday life. And to recognise our government’s responsibility across England and Wales to champion and maintain both.