Universities could face fines over free speech breaches – BBC News
‘Universities in England could face fines under new legislation if they fail to protect free speech on campus.’
BBC News, 12th May 2021
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Category: codes of practice
Ban on unsolicited approaches ‘hits access to justice’ – Law Society’s Gazette
‘The blanket ban on solicitors making unsolicited approaches to clients could act as a barrier to access to justice, according to a solicitor campaigning for a relaxation of the rule. Tobias Haynes, a dispute resolution specialist at Midlands firm Martin Kaye Solicitors, last week opened an online petition for solicitors to be allowed to contact potential clients by email or letter.’
Law Society's Gazette, 9th April 2021
Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk
Police watchdog accused of skewing report to back protests clampdown – The Guardian
‘The official policing inspectorate showed repeated bias in favour of the police and against peaceful protesters as it compiled a report which backed a government clampdown, a whistleblower has alleged. The complainant says a report on protest released in March this year was skewed in favour of the government view, with conclusions reached before evidence was gathered and assessed.’
The Guardian, 31st March 2021
Source: www.theguardian.com
Forensic Science – Codes of Practice and Joint Statements – 2 Hare Court
‘Two new publications were issued by the Forensic Science Regulator (“FSR”) in February 2021.’
2 Hare Court, 25th February 2021
Source: www.2harecourt.com
High court dismisses case on ‘failure to give guidance on prioritising patients’ – The Independent
‘A legal challenge to the government’s alleged failure to issue national guidance on how to prioritise patients during the Covid-19 pandemic has been dismissed by the High Court.’
The Independent, 28th February 2021
Source: www.independent.co.uk
Victims’ law call amid falling confidence in criminal justice – BBC News
‘The victims’ commissioner for England and Wales has called for a law to ensure people affected by crime are treated properly as they wait for justice.’
BBC News, 24th February 2021
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
London Fire Brigade has only acted on four of 29 recommendations from first stage of Grenfell Inquiry – The Independent
‘The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has only implemented four of the 29 recommendations suggested to it by the first part of the Grenfell inquiry, a new report has found.’
The Independent, 12th February 2021
Source: www.independent.co.uk
Criminal Law Update – Devon Chambers
‘The new 2020 versions of the Disclosure Code of Practice issued under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996 (“the Code”) and Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure (AGG) are probably not lockdown reading of choice for anybody. Nevertheless, they contain new procedures and a sea change in some respects and it will be essential for criminal practitioners to get to grips with the new requirements. There is a new emphasis on a thoughtful, rather than a prescriptive approach. Disclosure is to be integral to an investigation and not an adjunct.’
Devon Chambers, February 2021
Source: www.devonchambers.co.uk
Victims of crimes ‘re-traumatised’ by system – BBC News
‘When Tracey Hanson’s son, Josh, was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack in 2015, it was the start of a tough journey through the criminal justice system. She said she was “passed from pillar to post” throughout and the impact stays with her today. Experiences like hers – and others who have been victims of crime – is driving a fresh call from Labour for a “Victims’ Law” to strengthen their rights.’
BBC News, 8th February 2021
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
New rules for legal practice: guidance for legal professionals – Family Law
‘The Ministry of Justice has published a page on the gov.uk website bringing together guidance for legal professionals on the new rules for various areas of legal practice.’
Family Law, 28th January 2021
Source: www.familylaw.co.uk
CPS accused of ‘systemic illegality’ in charging rape cases – The Guardian
‘The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been accused of “systemic illegality” in its approach to charging rape cases in a landmark judicial review into how the crime is prosecuted.’
The Guardian, 26th January 2021
Source: www.theguardian.com
Divisional Court finds Mental Health Act assessments require physical attendance and cannot be undertaken remotely – Local Government Lawyer
‘The phrases “personally seen” in s. 11(5) of the Mental Health Act 1983 and “personally examined” in s. 12(1) require the physical attendance of the person in question on the patient, the Divisional Court has clarified.’
Local Government Lawyer, 25th January 2021
Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk
Senior Courts Costs Office Guide – the 2021 version is now available – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
‘The latest version of the Senior Courts Costs Office Guide has been published.
This 2021 update hasn’t changed extensively from when it was last published in 2018, but reflects some fundamental changes in practice which occurred before COVID-19 and which have been increased as a result of it.’
Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, 25th January 2021
Source: www.judiciary.uk
Senior judges issue guidance on wearing masks and face coverings in courts – Local Government Lawyer
‘The Senior Presiding Judge, Lady Justice Thirlwall, and the Deputy Senior Presiding Judge, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, have issued new guidance on the wearing of masks and face coverings in courts.’
Local Government Lawyer, 18th January 2021
Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk
New CPS guidance on charging for police and prosecutors – Crown Prosecution Service
‘NEW legal guidance to set updated rules on charging criminal cases has been published by the Director of Public Prosecutions today.
The Director’s Guidance on Charging 6th Edition (DG6) has been unveiled by The Crown Prosecution Service with the new rules coming into immediate effect. The document, which was last updated in 2013, provides a clear set of guidelines for prosecutors and police to ensure cases are referred to the CPS at the right time; with the right material and information so that prosecutors can make immediate charging decisions and cases pass effectively and efficiently through the criminal justice system.’
Crown Prosecution Service, 31st December 2020
Source: www.cps.gov.uk
Role of grooming of women involved in violent crime examined as part of new gangs guidance – Crown Prosecution Service
‘Prosecutors working on gang-related cases which involve women and girls should consider if there is evidence they have been forced or groomed into committing crime, according to new legal guidance published today. The guidance, Decision-making in “gang” related offences, has been drawn up by the Crown Prosecution Service to give lawyers practical advice on building the strongest possible cases and gathering robust evidence to present to the court.’
Crown Prosecution Service, 16th December 2020
Source: www.cps.gov.uk
Shrewsbury maternity scandal: Ministers told to ‘stamp out’ normal birth ideology in NHS – The Independent
‘Ministers have been told they must “stamp out” a “normal” birth ideology in NHS maternity services that puts babies and mothers lives at risk. The call came after an inquiry report into poor care at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust found many women were medicated and forced to endure traumatic births with some being denied caesarean sections in order to keep rates low.’
The Independent, 10th December 2020
Source: www.independent.co.uk
Judges told they should consider previous racial bias before sentencing – The Guardian
‘Judges and magistrates are to be given explicit reminders for the first time in sentencing guidelines of the disparity in punishments being imposed by the courts on white, Asian and black offenders.’
The Guardian, 9th December 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
