Law course review

The body that runs the £12,000 professional qualification course for barristers is undertaking a "root-and-branch" review. The Bar Standards Board, which regulates barristers in England and Wales, will look at the cost of the course and whether it is accessible to students from all backgrounds. It will also cover course content, standards of teaching and entry, pass marks, assessment methods, diversity of students and transferability of the qualification. The review will be completed by early summer 2008.