‘Courts must take care not to “overreact in unprecedented times”, a former director of public prosecutions has said, amid concerns that lengthy sentences being imposed during the coronavirus crisis could be excessive.’
The Guardian, 19th April 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘The coronavirus pandemic could provide an unexpected opportunity for police forces to tackle county lines drug dealing as the lockdown means criminals “stick out like a sore thumb”, senior officers have said.’
The Independent, 20th April 2020
Source: www.independent.co.uk
‘Covid 19: the current situation is so fast moving that anything written will almost inevitably be out of date by the time it is typed. However, following the effective “lock down” from 8.30pm on 23 March 2020 it may be that there are fewer further changes until restrictions can be eased, and it is useful to reflect on the effect so far.’
6KBW College Hill, 30th March 2020
Source: blog.6kbw.com
‘On Saturday 15 February, Caroline Flack’s tragic death became widespread news across the country. Having been charged with common assault of her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, she pleaded not guilty on 23 December last year and was due to face trial on 4 March. On the same day that she took her life, a statement from Ms Flack’s management strongly criticised the Crown Prosecution Servce (CPS) for pursuing the case, citing its knowledge of her vulnerability and the lack of support from the alleged victim.’
New Law Journal, 26th March 2020
Source: www.newlawjournal.co.uk
‘Suspected offenders are set to avoid criminal charges under unprecedented new guidance to ease the burden on the justice system during the coronavirus outbreak.’
The Guardian, 14th April 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘As one of the measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, courts in major parts of the world are delaying trials and temporarily closing doors. While the move is reasonable in the face of the pandemic, the process could leave some cases in limbo for weeks, if not months. In the criminal context, this could be a huge barrier to access to justice for victims and in securing the rights of the accused. The Chief Justices of various judicial systems have issued guidance to trial courts seeking emergency orders to adjust or suspend court operations in light of the pandemic. In addition to these measures, new AI-based systems may prove helpful during these times and should, where available, be used to secure access to justice.’
Oxford Human Rights Hub, 9th April 2020
Source: ohrh.law.ox.ac.uk
‘Maintaining access to justice and enabling people to exercise their rights and have effective participation in the legal system has never been more important than now. The judiciary are quickly adapting their ways of working to deliver justice during the coronavirus pandemic.’
Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, 3rd April 2020
Source: www.judiciary.uk
‘On 23 March 2020, the Prime Minister instructed everyone to remain in their homes in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The overwhelming majority of individuals and businesses have taken steps to comply with that instruction. However, concerns remained about the large number of people continuing to use London Underground, groups of people congregating in public places and a small number of people steadfastly refusing to comply. From the off, law enforcement officials were asking to be furnished with powers to enforce compliance.’
5 SAH, 30th March 2020
Source: www.5sah.co.uk
‘Suspected fraudsters and gangsters should not be charged during the coronavirus outbreak to avoid “clogging up” courts, new guidance recommends.’
BBC News, 2nd April 2020
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘On 23 March 2020, the Prime Minister instructed everyone to remain in their homes in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The overwhelming majority of individuals and businesses have taken steps to comply with that instruction. However, concerns remained about the large number of people continuing to use London Underground, groups of people congregating in public places and a small number of people steadfastly refusing to comply. From the off, law enforcement officials were asking to be furnished with powers to enforce compliance.’
5SAH, 30th March 2020
Source: www.5sah.co.uk
‘Covid 19: the current situation is so fast moving that anything written will almost inevitably be out of date by the time it is typed. However, following the effective “lock down” from 8.30pm on 23 March 2020 it may be that there are fewer further changes until restrictions can be eased, and it is useful to reflect on the effect so far.’
6KBW College Hill, 30th March 2020
Source: blog.6kbw.com
‘The number of outstanding crown court cases in England and Wales has reached the highest level for two years, figures show, amid growing concerns about pressures on the criminal justice system caused by the Covid-19 crisis.’
The Guardian, 26th March 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘Anyone who coughs on key workers as a threat amid the coronavirus crisis will face serious criminal charges.’
BBC News, 26th March 2020
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘A quarter of crown court trials will be disrupted due to restrictions unveiled overnight by the most senior judge in England and Wales to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the justice secretary has said.’
The Guardian, 18th March 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘A five-year time limit on bringing prosecutions against soldiers and veterans who have served abroad – except in “exceptional circumstances” – is to be imposed under legislation introduced by the government.’
The Guardian, 18th March 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘Superficially, legally enforceable rights and/or minimum standards for ‘victims’ being served by the Criminal Justice System seem laudable. However, it is worth remembering that a major part of the function of the Criminal Justice System is to determine whether there is a ‘victim’ at all and, if so, who it is.’
5 SAH, 2nd March 2020
Source: www.5sah.co.uk
‘The Covid-19 pandemic gives rise to such a volume of material as to justify a slightly more detailed examination of its consequences. In time, the response of governments across the globe to the disease will no doubt be the subject of detailed study by academics across the fields of biology, history and law.’
UK Human Rights Blog, 16th March 2020
Source: ukhumanrightsblog.com
‘Innocent people are being wrongly convicted and criminals are escaping justice because of the failure of the forensic science system to meet basic standards, the regulator has said.’
The Guardian, 25th February 2020
Source: www.theguardian.com
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