The new Civil Justice Advisory Group has launched a consultation to assist them in compiling a report to the Scottish Government on how it should take forward some of the recommendations of Lord Gill's civil courts review from last year.

The group is provided with "policy and secretariat support" by Consumer Focus Scotland.  The aim of the consultation is to "debate some of the key proposals of Lord Gill’s Scottish civil courts review report and determine the best way forward."

In a statement the group said it was seeking views on practical solutions to ensure that people with legal problems have real and effective access to appropriate, affordable and fair dispute resolution processes.

“I would strongly urge anyone who has any relevant experience, good or bad, of the operation of the court system or other means of resolving disputes, or any comment, criticism or suggestion to contribute to this important debate by responding to this consultation paper," said Lord Coulsfield, chair of the group.

"The greater the level of participation, the better placed the Group will be to make a strong and useful contribution to the debate over the Gill proposals and the decisions as to how they are to be carried out.”

The consultation runs until 24th September 2010.