Reform of libel laws will protect freedom of expression – The Guardian

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in defamation, freedom of expression, news, public interest by sally

“Justice secretary Jack Straw explains why he is proposing a law to curtail ‘libel tourism’ and create a ‘public interest’ defence.”

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The Guardian, 23rd March 2010

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Homophobic hatred could lead to jail – Ministry of Justice

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in homosexuality, incitement, Ministry of Justice, news, sentencing by sally

“People who intentionally stir up homophobic hatred could face up to seven years in prison under a new criminal offence introduced today.”

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Ministry of Justice, 23rd March 2010

Source: www.justice.gov.uk

BAILII: Recent Decisions

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in law reports by sally

Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)

Jessop v R [2010] EWCA Crim 517 (22 March 2010)

Mendez & Anor v R [2010] EWCA Crim 516 (22 March 2010)

Source: www.bailii.org

Recent Statutory Instruments – OPSI

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in legislation by sally

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Consequential Amendments No.2) Order 2010

The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes (Amendment) Regulations 2010

The European Communities (Designation) Order 2010

The Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officer’s Charges) (Northern Ireland) Order 2010

The Finance Act 2009, Schedule 51 (Time Limits for Assessments, Claims, etc.) (Appointed Days and Transitional Provisions) Order 2010

The Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health and Social Care Partnership National Health Service Trust (Dissolution) Order 2010

The Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officers’ Charges) Order 2010

The Northern Ireland Act 2009 (Commencement No.2) Order 2010

The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Jersey) Order 2010

The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Isle of Man) Order 2010

The European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Order 2010

The Uzbekistan (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) (Revocation) Order 2010

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Commencement No.16, Transitory and Transitional Provisions) Order 2010

The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Amendment) Regulations 2010

The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2010

The Audiovisual Media Services (Product Placement) Regulations 2010

The Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Dependency) (Permitted Earnings Limits) Order 2010

The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Lone Parents) (Availability for Work) Regulations 2010

The Legislative Reform (Dangerous Wild Animals) (Licensing) Order 2010

The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 3) Regulations 2010

Source: www.opsi.gov.uk

MPs warned: cheat on expenses and face ‘a ton of bricks’ – The Guardian

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in expenses, news, ombudsmen, parliament by sally

“The parliamentary watchdog has warned MPs that his organisation will come down on them ‘like a ton of bricks’ if they break new expenses rules, saying those who cheat could be fined or have pay docked.”

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The Guardian, 22nd March 2010

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Straw announces legal aid reforms – Ministry of Justice

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in criminal procedure, fees, legal aid, Ministry of Justice, news, tenders by sally

“The Ministry of Justice has announced new proposals for the tendering of criminal legal aid services with the aim of delivering significant savings to taxpayers and a more sustainable future for the legal aid budget.”

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Ministry of Justice, 22nd March 2010

Source: www.justice.gov.uk

Equality Bill could be amended by Lords to benefit Catholic adoption agencies – Daily Telegraph

“Roman Catholic adoption agencies could be allowed to act in accordance with their religious beliefs once more, under a move to be proposed in the House of Lords.”

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Daily Telegraph, 23rd March 2010

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Man given 20 years for Matalan shop manager murder – BBC News

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in conspiracy, murder, news, offensive weapons, robbery, sentencing by sally

“A 19-year-old man who was found guilty of murdering a Matalan shop manager has been sentenced to life with a minimum 20-year term.”

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BBC News, 22nd March 2010

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Prisoner sues after he is banned from smoking – Daily Telegraph

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in news, prisons, punishment, smoking by sally

“A prisoner addicted to tobacco is seeking damages after he was banned from smoking for swearing at a prison officer.”

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Daily Telegraph, 22nd March 2010

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Guidance for parliamentary candidates published – Ministry of Justice

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in elections, Ministry of Justice, news, parliament by sally

“Guidance to candidates standing at the parliamentary general election on publishing declarations of interests, is published today.”

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Minsitry of Justice, 22nd March 2010

Source: www.justice.gov.uk

Man returns home for wallet to find squatters – BBC News

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in burglary, criminal damage, news, squatting by sally

“A man who returned to his house in Northampton because he forgot his wallet found a homeless Romanian couple and their child attempting to move in.”

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BBC News, 22nd March 2010

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Legal aid lawyers to be reduced as ten QCs exceed £500,000 earnings in year – The Times

Posted March 23rd, 2010 in news by sally

“The number of legal aid lawyers is to be cut heavily under plans outlined by ministers as they named the top ten QCs earning more than £500,000 from such work last year.”

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The Times, 23rd March 2010

Source: www.timesonline.co.uk