Barristers began striking on Monday in solidarity with defence solicitors protesting over cuts to legal aid. The legal aid system pays lawyers from public funds to provide representation for people facing legal proceedings. James Bogle, a Christian barrister, said the Government's cuts to legal aid will cause ‘huge amounts of injustice’ to people who cannot afford to be represented in court. His message for the Government is: ‘If you want to save money, this is not the way to do it. Very little money will be saved but huge amounts of injustice will be done. People’s reputation, their life and that of their family, could be on the line if they're unable to get proper representation. They may find themselves convicted, even though they are innocent. Conversely, people who have committed serious offences may get off.’ The cuts will create a two-tier system that favours the better-off. Those who cannot afford to pay for a solicitor are suffering at the hands of the Government. See also: http://news.sky.com/story/1525700/barristers-strike-over-cuts-to-legal-aid