03/10/2024 – Current Awareness

‘In 2018, Sir Ernest Ryder warned that the future shift to online dispute resolution for most, and in some areas all disputes, risks eroding judicial accountability and fostering a democratic deficit. The pandemic, the £1.3 billion court modernisation program and six years later, the future of resolving the majority of disputes online appears to be much closer. The implementation of a truly holistic Digital Justice System – an integrated system of online advice services, online public and private out-of-court dispute resolution services (mediation and arbitration portals, ombuds services) and online courts – can make this future a reality.’

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UK Constitutional Law Association, 3rd October 2024

Source: ukconstitutionallaw.org

Gap between EDI policy and practice at law firms and in-house – Legal Futures

Posted October 3rd, 2024 in diversity, equality, law firms, news, reports by tracey

‘There remains a gap between policy and practice when it comes to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) at both law firms and in-house legal departments, according to new research.’

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Legal Futures, 3rd October 2024

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

Consultation on the regulation of barristers in chambers: The BSB’s response – Bar Standards Board

Posted October 3rd, 2024 in barristers, enforcement, news, standards by tracey

‘In October 2023, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) launched a public consultation to clarify our regulatory expectations of chambers. This followed a series of consultative roundtables across all circuits in England and Wales. During the consultation period we also held an additional series of roundtables, meeting with barristers, clerks and practice managers at eight roundtables across England and Wales. In total, we received 22 written responses to our consultation and also gathered valuable feedback from our extensive engagement events.’

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Bar Standards Board, 2nd October 2024

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

BSB regulatory proposals muddy the waters – The Bar Council

Posted October 3rd, 2024 in barristers, enforcement, news, standards by tracey

‘New proposals on the regulation of barristers in chambers will create uncertainty as to compliance and over who in chambers is responsible for meeting regulatory requirements, according to the Bar Council.’

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The Bar Council, 2nd October 2024

Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk

Postmaster jailed for wife’s murder seeks appeal – BBC News

Posted October 3rd, 2024 in appeals, domestic violence, inquiries, married persons, murder, news, postal service by tracey

‘A former sub-postmaster serving life in prison for murdering his wife is seeking a fresh appeal of his conviction, arguing the Post Office Inquiry has shed new light on his case.’

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BBC News, 3rd October 2024

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Sex charge tutor case reveals ‘massive’ safeguarding hole – BBC News

Posted October 3rd, 2024 in child abuse, news, sexual offences, teachers, vetting by tracey

‘A man charged with sexual assault has been advertising as a private tutor for children in maths and science, a BBC investigation has found. The man, who we’re not naming for legal reasons, left his job as a teacher last year. Bail conditions prevent him having any contact with children and he is due to stand trial in March.’

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BBC News, 3rd October 2024

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Sellafield ordered to pay nearly £400,000 over cybersecurity failings – The Guardian

Posted October 3rd, 2024 in computer crime, fines, guilty pleas, news, nuclear power, sentencing by tracey

‘Sellafield will have to pay almost £400,000 after it pleaded guilty to criminal charges over years of cybersecurity failings at Britain’s most hazardous nuclear site.’

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The Guardian, 2nd October 2024

Source: www.theguardian.com