Drug lord Curtis Warren’s conviction stands after supreme court rejects plea – The Guardian

Posted March 28th, 2011 in appeals, drug trafficking, evidence, interception, news by sally

“One of Britain’s most notorious drug dealers, Curtis Warren, has lost a legal battle that would have led to his conviction being overturned.”

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The Guardian, 28th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Police may be given new powers after cuts protest, says home secretary – The Guardian

Posted March 28th, 2011 in demonstrations, news, police, public order by sally

“The government will consider giving the police new powers, including the banning of face coverings, following the weekend’s anti-cuts march, the home secretary, Theresa May, has said.”

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The Guardian, 28th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Six people jailed in ‘severed thumb’ case – BBC News

Posted March 28th, 2011 in conspiracy, false imprisonment, kidnapping, murder, news, sentencing by sally

“Six people involved in the abduction, torture and murder of a restaurant worker from Hertfordshire have been jailed.”

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BBC News, 28th March 2011

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Employment Tribunal unequivocal on discrimination stance as gay lawyer wins action – The Lawyer

Posted March 28th, 2011 in employment, news, sexual orientation discrimination by sally

“A gay lawyer who discovered a note from one of his firm’s partners that accused him of giving work to his ‘batty boy mate’ has won a discrimination fight against the firm.”

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The Lawyer, 28th March 2011

Source: www.thelawyer.com

Sharon Shoesmith in appeal over sacking – The Independent

Posted March 28th, 2011 in appeals, child abuse, news, social services, unfair dismissal by sally

“Sharon Shoesmith has launched a Court of Appeal battle over her sacking after the Baby P tragedy.”

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The Independent, 28th March 2011

Source: www.independent.co.uk

BAILII: Recent Decisions

Posted March 28th, 2011 in law reports by sally

Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

Harrison, R (on the application of) v Birmingham Magistrate’s Court & Anor [2011] EWCA Civ 332 (25 March 2011)

Secretary of State for the Home Department v MK (Tunisia) [2011] EWCA Civ 333 (25 March 2011)

Brook v Reed [2011] EWCA Civ 331 (25 March 2011)

High Court (Queen’s Bench Division)

Bowker & Anor (t/a Lagopus Services) v The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds [2011] EWHC 737 (QB) (25 March 2011)

Inventors Friend Ltd v Leathes Prior (a firm) [2011] EWHC 711 (QB) (25 March 2011)

High Court (Chancery Division)

Amin & Anor v Amin & Ors [2011] EWHC 641 (Ch) (25 March 2011)

Uniq Plc, Re [2011] EWHC 749 (Ch) (25 March 2011)

High Court (Administrative Court)

Festiva Ltd, R (on the application of) v Highbury Corner Magistrates Court & Anor [2011] EWHC 723 (Admin) (25 March 2011)

Levy v Solicitors Regulation Authority [2011] EWHC 740 (Admin) (25 March 2011)

Save Historic Newmarket Ltd & Ors v Forest Heath District Council & Ors [2011] EWHC 606 (Admin) (25 March 2011)

High Court (Commercial Court)

Fortis Bank SA NV v Stemcor UK Ltd [2011] EWHC 538 (Comm) (17 March 2011)

Britannia Bulk Plc v Pioneer Navigation Ltd & Anor [2011] EWHC 692 (Comm) (25 March 2011)

Source: www.bailii.org

Possible changes to the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) regulations – Bar Standards Board

Posted March 28th, 2011 in barristers, legal education, news by sally

“The SRA Board has approved changes to the QLTS Regulations which, if approved by the Legal Services Board, will put part-time students who began their BVC in 2009 in the same position as full-time 2009 BVC students, with regard to qualifying via the QLTR.”

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Bar Standards Board, 24th March 2011

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Sentencing for drugs offences – public consultation launched on new guideline for judges – Sentencing Council

Posted March 28th, 2011 in consultations, drug offences, news, sentencing by sally

“Today, the Sentencing Council is launching a three-month public consultation on its proposals to introduce a new guideline for judges and magistrates for the sentencing of drugs offenders.”

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Sentencing Council, 28th March 2011

Source: www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk

Serious Fraud Office vows to pursue corrupt foreign companies – The Guardian

Posted March 28th, 2011 in bribery, foreign companies, fraud, news by sally

“The head of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is at loggerheads with ministers who are seeking to exempt overseas companies from Britain’s new Bribery Act.”

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The Guardian, 25th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

£5m scheme to divert mentally ill offenders from prison – The Guardian

Posted March 28th, 2011 in criminal justice, imprisonment, mental health, news by sally

“The first stage in setting up a national service to divert mentally ill people from prison is due to be announced by the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, and the justice secretary, Ken Clarke.”

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The Guardian, 28th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Tomlinson inquest to begin, two years after his death – The Independent

Posted March 28th, 2011 in demonstrations, inquests, news, police by sally

“After three post-mortem examinations, and almost two years to the day since he died after being struck by a police baton during G20 protests, the inquest into the death of Ian Tomlinson is due to start on Monday.”

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The Independent, 26th March 2011

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Birdwatchers lose RSPB defamation case – Daily Telegraph

Posted March 28th, 2011 in defamation, news by sally

“Two birdwatchers who sued the RSPB for criticising their research into an endangered species have lost their case after a judge said the courts should not be used for scientific disputes.”

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Daily Telegraph, 25th March 2011

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Divorce: Couples face new mediation rules and warnings – BBC News

Posted March 28th, 2011 in dispute resolution, divorce, news by sally

“Divorces in England and Wales could become quicker, less stressful and cheaper, but there are fears people will miss out on advice.”

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BBC News, 25th March 2011

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Lawyers in civil cases face bonus cap – The Guardian

Posted March 28th, 2011 in fees, legal profession, news by sally

“The government will next week announce a clampdown on ‘fat cat’ lawyers in civil cases by capping bonuses and tackling what ministers describe as the perverse position in which lawyers can be awarded a greater proportion of payouts than claimants.”

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The Guardian, 25th March 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk