‘Game changing’ AI listing to help clear court backlog – Law Society Gazette

Posted March 2nd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘AI to help better list cases and reduce the backlog has been described as “game changing” by courts minister Sarah Sackman as the lady chief justice reminded colleagues that listings decisions “will remain a judicial function”.’

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Law Society Gazette, 27th February 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

In depth: Lord chancellor stands firm on jury trial curbs – Law Society Gazette

Posted March 2nd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘When justice secretary David Lammy announced his intention to curb jury trials, he faced an immediate backlash. Solicitors and barristers were alarmed that cases which would normally go before a jury of 12 ordinary citizens would be decided by a judge; and by the removal of an automatic right to appeal from the magistrates’ court to the Crown court, given that 40% of such appeals succeed. MPs demanded to see the modelling to justify the proposed curbs.’

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Law Society Gazette, 2nd March 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Should Family Justice Embrace the Civil Mediation Model? A Case for Reform – Financial Remedies Journal

Posted March 2nd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘A barrister and mediator working in financial remedies asks whether the civil mediation model could be used more widely in financial remedies cases, and brought into the mainstream of ADR in this area of law, helping cases to settle sooner, or resolving them even before court proceedings are issued.’

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Fianancial Remedies Journal, 26th February 2026

Source: financialremediesjournal.com

Legal challenge over plan to use East Sussex army camp as asylum housing dismissed – The Guardian

Posted March 2nd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘A residents’ group has lost its high court challenge against a Home Office decision to use an army training camp to house asylum seekers.’

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The Guardian, 27th February 2026

Source: www.theguardian.com

Appeal court rejects latest challenge to adding VAT to UK private school fees – The Guardian

Posted March 2nd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The court of appeal has rejected the latest challenge to the addition of VAT to private school fees, telling parents they have the option to home school their children if they object to sending them to state schools.’

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The Guardian, 27th February 2026

Source: www.theguardian.com

CPS loses bid to overturn Quran-burner’s acquittal – BBC News

Posted March 2nd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has lost a High Court bid to challenge the acquittal of a man who burned a Quran outside the Turkish consulate in London.’

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BBC News, 27th February 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

BAILII: Recent Decisions

Posted February 27th, 2026 in law reports by michael

Supreme Court

ABJ, R. v [2026] UKSC 8 (26 February 2026)

THG Plc v Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Ltd [2026] UKSC 6 (25 February 2026)

Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

BYL & Anor, R (On the Application Of) v Chancellor of the Exchequer [2026] EWCA Civ 170 (27 February 2026)

High Court (Administrative Court)

RKC1 & Ors, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs & Anor [2026] EWHC 440 (Admin) (27 February 2026)

Sandy Park Farm Partnership v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government & Ors [2026] EWHC 422 (Admin) (26 February 2026)

McQueen v Mid Suffolk District Council [2026] EWHC 421 (Admin) (26 February 2026)

High Court (Chancery Division)

Total Electric Solutions Ltd & Anor v Nortek Electrical Circuits Ltd [2026] EWHC 404 (Ch) (27 February 2026)

Factor v Haddad & Ors [2026] EWHC 410 (Ch) (27 February 2026)

High Court (Commercial Court)

Soprim Construction SARL v The Republic of Djibouti [2026] EWHC 418 (Comm) (27 February 2026)

Abraaj Investment Management Ltd & Ors v KES Power Ltd & Ors (No. 2) [2026] EWHC 441 (Comm) (27 February 2026)

High Court (Family Division)

NG (A Child), Re (Disclosure of Asylum Documents)(No 1) [2026] EWHC 412 (Fam) (25 February 2026)

High Court (Patents Court)

Janssen-Cilag Ltd v The United States of America [2026] EWHC 436 (Pat) (25 February 2026)

High Court (King’s Bench Division)

Timokhin v Timokhina [2026] EWHC 439 (KB) (27 February 2026)

Source: www.bailii.org

Conservative religious views on sexuality and direct discrimination in employment: Ngole – Law & Religion UK

Posted February 27th, 2026 in news by sally

‘In Ngole v Touchstone Leeds (RELIGION OR BELIEF DISCRIMINATION) [2026] EAT 29, the question before the Employment Appeal Tribunal was whether the Employment Tribunal had erred in law in its analysis of complaints by Mr Ngole of direct discrimination in employment because of his religious belief in a conservative view of sexuality [1].’

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Law & Religion UK, 26th February 2026

Source: lawandreligionuk.com

Machete-waving drug dealer jailed for manslaughter – BBC News

Posted February 27th, 2026 in news by sally

‘A machete-wielding man has been jailed after a person he chased was fatally hit by a car.’

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BBC News, 26th February 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Sanctions Guidance is not a score sheet – Court of Appeal findings from GMC v Gilbert & PSA – Kingsley Napley Regulatory Blog

Posted February 27th, 2026 in news by sally

‘In a judgment handed down on 6 February 2026, the Court of Appeal (CoA) dismissed appeals by both the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) to overturn the decision to suspend, rather than erase, a consultant surgeon from the medical register.’

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Kingsley Napley Regulatory Blog, 26th February 2026

Source: www.kingsleynapley.co.uk

Regulatory sanctions on appeal: Court of Appeal upholds suspension for surgeon – 1 QMLR

Posted February 27th, 2026 in news by sally

‘Both the General Medical Council (“GMC”) and the Professional Standards Authority (“PSA”) appealed decisions of a Medical Practitioners Tribunal (“MPT”) and the High Court not to erase Mr Gilbert, a consultant surgeon, from the register following findings of serious misconduct.’

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1 QMLR, 26th February 2026

Source: 1corqmlr.com

Met police to pilot facial recognition identity checks, mayor confirms – The Guardian

Posted February 27th, 2026 in news by sally

‘Metropolitan police officers are to start scanning citizens’ faces using automated facial recognition technology to check their identities, in a move backed by the mayor of London but described as “alarming” by opponents.’

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The Guardian, 26th February 2026

Source: www.theguardian.com

BAILII: Recent Decisions

Posted February 26th, 2026 in law reports by michael

Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

Stephan v Amazon.com Inc & Ors [2026] EWCA Civ 183 (26 February 2026)

B & D Clays & Chemicals Ltd v Castle Water Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 171 (25 February 2026)

Duffy v Birmingham City Council [2026] EWCA Civ 146 (25 February 2026)

AM & Anor v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWCA Civ 159 (24 February 2026)

DSM IP Assets BV & Anor v Algal Omega 3 Ltd & Anor (Rev1) [2026] EWCA Civ 136 (24 February 2026)

WH Holding Ltd v London Stadium LLP (Formerly E20 Stadium LLP) [2026] EWCA Civ 153 (23 February 2026)

Safi v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWCA Civ 149 (20 February 2026)

Gluck v Endzweig & Anor [2026] EWCA Civ 145 (20 February 2026)

Ajao v Commerzbank AG [2026] EWCA Civ 147 (19 February 2026)

High Court (Administrative Court)

EB, R (On the Application Of) v Director of Legal Aid Casework [2026] EWHC 402 (Admin) (25 February 2026)

The Governing Body of Leighton Middle School, R (On the Application Of) v Independent Appeals Panel of Central Bedfordshire Council [2026] EWHC 416 (Admin) (25 February 2026)

Walker, R (on the application of) v London Borough of Bromley [2026] EWHC 382 (Admin) (23 February 2026)

Podraza (now Wrzosek) v District Court In Krakow, Poland [2026] EWHC 380 (Admin) (23 February 2026)

SAL 1 v Secretary of State for Education [2026] EWHC 332 (Admin) (23 February 2026)

Richards, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Justice (Rev1) [2026] EWHC 394 (Admin) (20 February 2026)

Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government & Anor [2026] EWHC 261 (Admin) (20 February 2026)

High Court (Chancery Division)

Morgan v Morgan & Ors [2026] EWHC 384 (Ch) (26 February 2026)

Durnont Enterprises Ltd v Fazita Investment Ltd & Ors [2026] EWHC 405 (Ch) (25 February 2026)

Presbar Diecastings Ltd v GW Atkins & Sons Ltd & Anor [2026] EWHC 399 (Ch) (25 February 2026)

Nardelli & Anor v Desiman Ltd [2026] EWHC 366 (Ch) (24 February 2026)

Wonop ApS v Simon Jagger & Ors (Re FAI Realisations 2024 Ltd) [2026] EWHC 362 (Ch) (23 February 2026)

Zavarco Plc v Nasir [2026] EWHC 338 (Ch) (23 February 2026)

Parabolica Ltd v Tesla Holding AS [2026] EWHC 386 (Ch) (23 February 2026)

Fisher v Dinwoodie [2026] EWHC 370 (Ch) (23 February 2026)

Harrington & Charles Trading Company Ltd & Ors v Mehta & Ors [2026] EWHC 388 (Ch) (20 February 2026)

High Court (Commercial Court)

Rostrum Leasing 1 DAC v Tri-MG Airlines Ltd & Ors [2026] EWHC 372 (Comm) (23 February 2026)

Republic of Korea v Elliott Associates LP [2026] EWHC 368 (Comm) (23 February 2026)

High Court (Family Division)

T (A Child), Re (Non-Agency Adoption) [2026] EWHC 391 (Fam) (25 February 2026)

X (a Minor), Re (Hague Convention 1980, Article 13(b); Article 13(2)) [2026] EWHC 400 (Fam) (24 February 2026)

Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board v SR & Ors [2026] EWHC 348 (Fam) (19 February 2026)

High Court (King’s Bench Division)

Mohammed v Ali & Anor [2026] EWHC 401 (KB) (24 February 2026)

Valero Energy Ltd & Ors v Persons Unknown & Ors [2026] EWHC 397 (KB) (23 February 2026)

Campbell v Craig & Anor [2026] EWHC 352 (KB) (23 February 2026)

Guy Carpenter & Company Ltd & Ors v Willis Ltd & Ors (Rev1) [2026] EWHC 361 (KB) (20 February 2026)

Birmingham City Council v Persons Unknown (Re Protests in Support of the Bin Workers’ Strike) [2026] EWHC 373 (KB) (20 February 2026)

Bromcom Computers Plc v Arbor Education Partners Ltd & Ors [2026] EWHC 379 (KB) (18 February 2026)

High Court (Technology and Construction Court)

Crestline Direct Finance LP v Insurance Company Euroins AD [2026] EWHC 423 (TCC) (26 February 2026)

Source: www.bailii.org

When The Scan Is Normal And The School Reports Are Positive: Rethinking Paediatric Brain Injury Evidence – Parklane Plowden Chambers

Posted February 26th, 2026 in news by sally

‘In paediatric brain injury litigation, the cases that appear straightforward at first glance are often the ones that demand the greatest caution.’

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Parklane Plowden Chambers, 24th February 2026

Source: www.parklaneplowden.co.uk

Polkey Revisited: Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd [2026] EAT 12 – No. 5 Barristers Chambers

Posted February 26th, 2026 in news by sally

‘The decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) in Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd [2026] EAT 12 provides a significant restatement of the correct approach to Polkey reductions, particularly in the context of progression-based performance models and overlapping disability claims. The judgment is a reminder that Polkey is a predictive, evidence-based exercise focused on what the employer would have done, not what the tribunal considers fair in hindsight.’

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No. 5 Barristers Chambers, 2nd February 2026

Source: www.no5.com

Sentencing Guidelines for HSE Offences and public bodies – Pump Court Chambers

Posted February 26th, 2026 in news by sally

‘The Sentencing Guidelines for Organisations: Breach of duty of employer towards employees and non-employees / Breach of duty of self-employed to others / Breach of Health and Safety Regulations[1] were made effective from 1 February 2016. The guidelines follow the familiar pattern of assessing culpability and harm before looking at the financial information. This article looks at how the sentencing guidelines should be applied differently for public bodies.’

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Pump Court Chambers, 6th February 2026

Source: www.pumpcourtchambers.com

CPS issues new guidance on ‘honour’-based and dowry abuse – The Guardian

Posted February 26th, 2026 in news by sally

‘The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has published new guidance for its lawyers to help tackle “honour”-based abuse, with spiritual and immigration abuse included for the first time.’

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The Guardian, 26th February 2026

Source: www.theguardian.com

Wilkins v SoSEFRA, the “Boundary-to-Boundary” Principle in Highway Dedication – New Square Chambers

Posted February 26th, 2026 in news by sally

‘At its heart, this is a relatively straightforward case without complex facts. In short, the Claimants brought an application under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to challenge the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (“the Defendant”) decision to confirm the Kent County Council (Restricted Byway AB27 at Tenterden) Definitive Map Modification Order 2021 (“the Order”). The Order recorded the width of RB/AB27, the restricted byway at the centre of the dispute. In 1952, RB/1B27 was recorded as a Road Used as a Public Path, which was later reclassified to a restricted byway in 2006 by the relevant legislation. RB/AB27 passed by property and through land owned by the Claimants.’

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New Square Chambers, 24th February 2026

Source: newsquarechambers.co.uk

Derby City Council v R (UYR) [2025] EWCA Civ 1648 – No. 5 Barristers Chambers

Posted February 26th, 2026 in news by sally

‘The decision of the Court of Appeal in Derby City Council v R (UYR) [2025] EWCA Civ 1648 provides important guidance in the context of claims for interim relief in age assessment cases.’

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No. 5 Barristers Chambers, 9th February 2026

Source: www.no5.com

Landmark bill to deliver swifter justice for victims – Ministry of Justice

Posted February 26th, 2026 in news by sally

‘Faster and fairer justice for victims is at the heart of a new bill introduced in Parliament today (Wednesday 25 February), as the government delivers on its Plan for Change to repair the justice system after years of neglect.’

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Ministry of Justice, 25th February 2026

Source: www.gov.uk