The Transfer of Functions (Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings and Costs in Criminal Cases) Order 1980
Legal aid in criminal proceedings and costs in criminal cases in England and Wales have hitherto been the responsibility of the Secretary of State (generally in effect the Home Secretary) under Part II of the Legal Aid Act 1974 and the Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1973. The effect of this Order is to transfer the functions of the Secretary of State under those Acts and the regulations made thereunder to the Lord Chancellor (except where the functions are not carried out by the Home Secretary but by another Secretary of State) and to make amendments to them incidental to and consequential on such transfer.