If lawyers’ independence starts being undermined, we are in a danger zone – The Guardian

Posted March 15th, 2011 in citizens advice bureaux, legal profession, Legal Services Board, news by sally

“Changes concerning the Legal Services Board and Citizens Advice, including the closure of the LSB’s website, have brought the independence issue to the fore again.”

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The Guardian, 15th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Raoul Moat accomplices get life sentences – The Guardian

Posted March 15th, 2011 in accomplices, firearms, murder, news, sentencing by sally

“Two accomplices who helped shotgun killer Raoul Moat during his murderous rampage last summer have been jailed for life.”

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The Guardian, 15th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

British lawyer uses Facebook to serve court summons – Daily Telegraph

Posted March 15th, 2011 in internet, news, notification, solicitors by sally

“A lawyer has used Facebook to serve a court summons, in what is believed to be the first such case in Britain.”

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Daily Telegraph, 14th March 2011

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Sex-on-duty policeman jailed – The Independent

Posted March 15th, 2011 in misfeasance in public office, news, police, sentencing by sally

“A married policeman who had sex with a woman while he was on duty was jailed for 12 months today.”

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The Independent, 15th March 2011

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Chaplain jailed for having sex with prisoner – The Independent

Posted March 15th, 2011 in clergy, news, prisons, sentencing by sally

“A prison chaplain has been jailed for eight months after she had a sexual relationship with an inmate.”

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The Independent, 15th March 2011

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Libel reform: government’s proposals – The Guardian

Read the draft defamation bill and consultation in full

The Guardian, 15th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Libel law reform announced – Ministry of Justice

“New measures to support free speech, enable people to protect their reputation and help stop the use of unreasonable threats of being sued for libel were announced today.”

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Ministry of Justice, 15th March 2011

Source: www.justice.gov.uk

One error on letter doomed cancer mother – Daily Telegraph

Posted March 15th, 2011 in cancer, compensation, doctors, duty of care, news by sally

“A key stroke error on a computer cost a breast cancer sufferer her life after two urgent letters asking her to go to hospital appointments were sent to the wrong address.”

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Daily Telegraph, 15th March 2011

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Recent Statutory Instruments – legislation.gov.uk

Posted March 15th, 2011 in legislation by sally

The Finance (No. 3) Act 2010, Schedules 10 and 11 (Income Tax Self Assessment and Pension Schemes) (Appointed Days) Order 2011

The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records and Registration) (Jersey) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

The Flood Risk Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee (England) Regulations 2011

The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records and Registration) (Guernsey) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 to 103 (Income Tax Self Assessment) (Appointed Days and Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Order 2011

The Finance Act 2009, Schedules 55 and 56 (Income Tax Self Assessment and Pension Schemes) (Appointed Days and Consequential and Savings Provisions) Order 2011

The National Insurance Contributions Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2011

The Qualifying Care Relief (Specified Social Care Schemes) Order 2011

The Further Education Teachers’ Qualifications (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Mandatory Work Activity Scheme) Regulations 2011

The Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

The Statutory Maternity Pay (Compensation of Employers) Amendment Regulations 2011

The National Assistance (Sums for Personal Requirements) Amendment (England) Regulations 2011

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2011

The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (Continuance in Force of Sections 1 to 9) Order 2011

The Smoke Control Areas (Exempted Fireplaces) (England) Order 2011

The Firearms (Electronic Communications) Order 2011

The Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

The Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (England and Wales) Regulations 2011

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2011

Source: www.legislation.gov.uk

Attorney general warns newspapers over contempt – BBC News

Posted March 15th, 2011 in attorney general, contempt of court, media, news by sally

“The media could be prevented from naming people arrested by the police but not yet charged, the attorney general has told the BBC.”

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BBC News, 15th March 2011

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Damages awarded in first UK Twitter libel action – Law Society’s Gazette

Posted March 15th, 2011 in costs, damages, defamation, internet, news by sally

“A Welsh councillor has been ordered to pay damages in what is believed to be the first libel action resulting from comments posted on Twitter.”

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Law Society’s Gazette, 15th March 2011

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Defamation Bill intended to kill off ‘libel tourism’ – The Independent

Posted March 15th, 2011 in bills, choice of forum, defamation, defences, freedom of expression, internet, news by sally

“Major changes to Britain’s antiquated defamation laws will be outlined by ministers today with the publication of a bill to provide greater protection for free speech and an end to ‘libel tourism’.”

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The Independent, 15th March 2011

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Stunt expert cleared in Batman cameraman death trial – BBC News

Posted March 15th, 2011 in accidents, health & safety, media, news by sally

“An Oscar-winning special effects expert has been cleared of health and safety breaches over the death of a cameraman during filming of the last Batman film.”

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BBC News, 14th March 2011

Source: www.bbc.co.uk