Fewer women among new QC appointments – The Times
“Fewer women and ethnic minority lawyers make the cut among 98 new silks despite an appointment system aimed at promoting diversity.”
The Times, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.timesonline.co.uk
MoD admits inquiry into 69 lost laptops – The Guardian
“The Ministry of Defence is investigating the reported loss of 69 laptops and seven personal computers over the past year, officials revealed yesterday, as Whitehall staff were banned from removing laptops containing sensitive data from their offices.”
The Guardian, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
Lawyers pocket £1bn from UK private equity – Legal Week
“UK law firms pocketed more than £1bn in fees from the private equity sector in 2006, with legal advisers confirmed as one of the main beneficiaries of the boom in venture capital activity over recent years.”
Legal Week, 21st January 2008
Source: www.legalweek.com
EU reform Bill passes its first hurdle – The Independent
“The Government comfortably won the first round of its gruelling battle over the European reform treaty last night, after facing angry accusations of betraying the voters.”
The Independent, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.independent.co.uk
Judge frees three Algerians from detention limbo – The Guardian
“Three Algerians who have been detained for up to 18 months while waiting for deportation – even though they want to return home – were yesterday granted bail by a high court judge.”
The Guardian, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
New scheme opens up the profession to all – perhaps – The Times
“From September the Solicitors Regulation Authority is trying out a pick’n’mix approach to getting would-be lawyers started.”
The Times, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.timesonline.co.uk
New guidance calls on universities to reject separatism and ban those who preach violence – The Guardian
“Universities with large numbers of Muslim students should consider rejecting demands for separate prayer and washing facilities to prevent their campuses segregating along religious lines and risking a climate where illegal extremist views can flourish, the government will suggest today.”
The Guardian, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
Four in 10 bikers dodge road tax – BBC News
“The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency risks becoming ‘a complete laughing stock’ after it emerged nearly 40% of motorbikes were untaxed, MPs have said.”
BBC News, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
QC selection: worth the wait for elite 98 – Legal Week
“The latest round of QC appointments has finally been made public – 18 months after the previous batch of silks were appointed – with just under 100 barristers set to claim the elite kite-mark.”
Legal Week, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.legalweek.com
Related link: QC Appointments: list in full – The Times
3 fails in court bid to uncover evidence of alleged collusion – OUT-LAW.com
“Mobile phone network 3 has been refused permission to force its rivals to disclose emails and documents in a process that would have cost each of them £200,000. The High Court ruled that 3’s requests were not specific enough.”
OUT-LAW.com, 21st January 2008
Source: www.out-law.com
New lawyer call system ‘in chaos’ – BBC News
“Lawyers say a new call centre system which is supposed to put them in touch with arrested clients in England and Wales is in chaos.”
BBC News, 22nd January 2008
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
BAILII: Recent Decisions
Court of Appeal (Civil Division)
Kolden Holdings Ltd v Rodette Commerce Ltd & Anor [2008] EWCA Civ 1468 (21 January 2008)
High Court (Chancery Division)
HM Revenue & Customs v Weight Watchers (UK) Ltd [2008] EWHC 53 (Ch) (21 January 2008)
High Court (Patents Court)
Monsanto Technology LLC v Cargill International SA & Anor [2007] EWHC 3113 (Pat) (21 December 2007)
Nokia Corp v Interdigital Technology Corp [2007] EWHC 3077 (Pat) (21 December 2007)
Source: www.bailii.org
IPCC will not investigate Bedford death: death not result of taser – Independent Police Complaints Commission
“The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has decided that the death of Justin Petty who died of knife wounds is suitable for investigation by Bedfordshire Police.”
Independent Police Complaints Commission, 21st January 2008
Source: www.gnn.gov.uk
Recent Statutory Instruments – OPSI
The Police Authorities (Particular Functions and Transitional Provisions) Order 2008
The European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice and Services of Lawyers) (Amendment) Regulations 2008
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Additional Authorities) Order 2008
The Manchester College (Government) Regulations 2008
The Manchester College (Incorporation) Order 2008
Source: www.opsi.gov.uk
Hate groups could land social networking sites in court – The Guardian
“Social networking forums, where users give full vent to their gripes about everyone from gas providers and airline companies to the local bus operator, have caught the eye of media lawyers, who warn that such postings may be leaving sites such as Facebook and MySpace open to libel actions.”
The Guardian, 21st January 2008
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
Towards a Bill of Rights and Responsibility – Ministry of Justice
“Jack Straw has given a speech on how a British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities fits into a long British tradition, and how we would be greatly impoverished without the Human Rights Act.”
Ministry of Justice, 21st January 2008
Source: www.justice.org.uk
Driver faked death to avoid fines – BBC News
“Road safety experts have condemned a driver who faked his own death to avoid paying £180 in speeding fines.”
BBC News, 21st January 2008
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Appeal to give up imitation guns – BBC News
“Police in London have launched a campaign urging young men and boys to hand in their imitation firearms.”
BBC News, 21st January 2008
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Guide to the Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 3) Rules 2007 – Ministry of Justice
“The Criminal Procedure Rule Committee has made new rules about case management; a new procedure for applying in criminal cases for an anti-social behaviour order or other civil behaviour order; and new rules about appeals or references to the House of Lords.”
Ministry of Justice, 21st January 2008
Source: www.justice.gov.uk
