Ombuds(wo)man persuades minister to lower court tariffs

Soledad Becerril
Defensora del Pueblo

MADRID Soledad Becerril, the national Ombuds(wo)man (Defensora del Pueblo, or Defender of the People) has managed to persuade the Minister for Justice, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, that justice would not be equal for all if the new court tariffs are implanted into the system. Thus, the fees will be reduced. "We have listened to the Ombudswoman, and have reacted accordingly," said a Ministry spokesperson. The change of heart came about as a result of a letter sent to the Ministry before the deadline of February 21, when the matter of the Tariff Law could be contested at the Constitutional Court. The letter recommends a reduction of court fees for the First Instance Civil and Administrative (Contencioso-Administrativo) Courts, as well as lowering fees according to the individual's financial resources. This, and other suggestions aimed at making the courts more accessible to the majority. (A more detailed article on this subject will soon be available at SpainInformer.com)