Views sought on proposals to counter effects of rape myths in sexual offence trials – Law Commission

Posted May 26th, 2023 in consultations, evidence, Law Commission, news, rape, sexual offences by tracey

‘The Law Commission has today published proposals for reform of sexual offences prosecutions.’

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Law Commission, 23rd May 2023

Source: www.lawcom.gov.uk

Law Commission calls for tighter rules on use of personal records in rape trials – The Guardian

‘Greater restrictions should be introduced on the use of rape complainants’ personal records and evidence relating to their sexual behaviour to avoid rape myths contaminating trials in England and Wales, a government-commissioned review has said.’

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The Guardian, 23rd May 2023

Source: www.theguardian.com

Court photography ban under review in transparency drive – Law Society’s Gazette

‘A ban imposed nearly 100 years ago on photography in courts could be lifted under ideas being floated by the government to make the justice system more transparent.’

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Law Society's Gazette, 11th May 2023

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Use of non-jury trial system to continue in NI – BBC News

Posted April 26th, 2023 in consultations, juries, news, Northern Ireland, terrorism, trial without jury, trials by sally

‘Non-jury trials will continue to be used in Northern Ireland, with the secretary of state saying the move is “regrettable” but necessary due to the security situation.’

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BBC News, 25th April 2023

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Plans to ban more machetes and zombie knives used by criminals in legal loophole – The Independent

Posted April 18th, 2023 in consultations, gangs, news, offensive weapons, police, sentencing by sally

‘More machetes and zombie knives could be banned in England and Wales with criminals who buy or sell them facing up to two years in jail under Government plans.’

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The Independent, 18th April 2023

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Divorce reform: work finally begins on finances review – Law Society’s Gazette

‘Work has finally begun on a review of the laws governing finances on divorce – but a consultation on proposed reforms does not appear likely to emerge until 2025 at the earliest.’

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Law Society's Gazette, 4th April 2023

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

The Proposed Changes to Panel Composition in the ET and the EAT – A Valuable Cost Saving Exercise, or an Erosion of Justice? – Parklane Plowden Chambers

Posted April 5th, 2023 in consultations, employment tribunals, news by sally

‘Sir Keith Lindblom, Senior President of Tribunals has in recent weeks launched a consultation paper seeking views on the proposals to potentially change the composition of ETs and the EAT, with a view to removing, or further reducing the use of lay members in all but the most complex cases. But what effect, if any, would this change have on the administration of justice?’

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Parklane Plowden Chambers, 8th March 2023

Source: www.parklaneplowden.co.uk

Guide to UK online children’s code scope published – OUT-LAW.com

Posted April 5th, 2023 in bills, children, codes of practice, consultations, data protection, internet, news by sally

‘The growing focus of regulators on ensuring children are safe to use online services has been brought into sharp focus with recent actions of the UK’s data protection authority, a technology law expert has said.’

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OUT-LAW.com, 4th April 2023

Source: www.pinsentmasons.com

Child sex abuse: Failure to report crimes to be made illegal – BBC News

‘People who work with children in England will be legally required to report child sexual abuse or face prosecution under government plans.’

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BBC News, 3rd April 2023

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Law Commission widens planned discrimination ban in arbitration – Legal Futures

Posted March 30th, 2023 in arbitration, consultations, diversity, Law Commission, news, sex discrimination by sally

‘The Law Commission has suggested widening its proposed ban on discrimination in arbitration from the appointment of arbitrators to the conduct of the arbitration generally.’

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Legal Futures, 30th March 2023

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill could have major impact on subscription providers – OUT-LAW.com

Posted March 13th, 2023 in bills, consultations, consumer protection, government departments, news by tracey

‘Businesses that provide subscription services to customers in the UK should consider the implications of upcoming reforms and prepare for an increased level of regulatory scrutiny.’

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OUT-LAW.com, 13th March 2023

Source: www.pinsentmasons.com

Building safety gateway regime – frequently asked questions – Practical Law: Construction Blog

Posted March 10th, 2023 in building law, construction industry, consultations, news by tracey

‘One of the major changes to the regulation of the design and construction of “higher-risk buildings” is the introduction of the gateway regime.’

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Practical Law: Construction Blog, 8th March 2023

Source: constructionblog.practicallaw.com

Updated sentencing guidelines for child cruelty offences published – Sentencing Council

‘The Council has published updated sentencing guidelines for offenders convicted of child cruelty offences in England and Wales, following consultation.’

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Sentencing Council, 7th March 2023

Source: www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk

New Judgment: R (On the application of Day) v Shropshire Council [2023] UKSC 8 – UKSC Blog

‘Land which is subject to a statutory trust in favour of the public is held by a local authority for the purpose of the public’s enjoyment. In order for local authorities to dispose of this type of land they must comply with statutory consultation requirements. The issue raised by this appeal is what happens to the public’s rights to use this type of land when the local authority disposes of the land but fails to comply with the statutory requirements.’

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UKSC Blog, 1st March 2023

Source: ukscblog.com

Victims of crimes committed by armed forces personnel to have say in justice – Crown Prosecution Service

Posted March 2nd, 2023 in armed forces, consultations, news, prosecutions, victims by tracey

‘For the first time, there will be a requirement to consider the views of those reporting a crime allegedly committed by a member of the armed forces when deciding whether a case should be dealt with by the civilian or military justice system.’

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Crown Prosecution Service, 23rd February 2023

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Chief Coroner shares the report from the first ever Coroner Attitude Survey and explains how it has shaped his work – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Posted March 2nd, 2023 in consultations, coroners, news, reports by tracey

‘The Chief Coroner, His Honour Judge Thomas Teague KC, is nearing the end of his tour around all 83 coroner areas in England and Wales. He started the tour shortly after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, with the aim of supporting the welfare of coroners and staff in the wake of the pandemic. The tour has taken just over a year to complete, with the final visits scheduled for later this month (March 2023). The visits have given the Chief Coroner a unique insight into the local provision made for the coroner service around the country and have afforded him the opportunity to discuss with coroners, staff, local authorities and police forces, many of the issues raised in the Coroner Attitude Survey (published below).’

Full survey

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Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, 1st March 2023

Source: www.judiciary.uk

Supreme court rules in favour of halting housebuilding in Shrewsbury park – The Guardian

‘Campaigners have won a supreme court appeal to stop houses being built on a park protected by a 100-year-old statutory trust in Shrewsbury, in a landmark ruling for the protection of green spaces.’

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The Guardian, 1st March 2023

Source: www.theguardian.com

What’s the future for open justice and ‘justice system data’ policy? – Transparency Project

Posted February 27th, 2023 in civil justice, consultations, criminal justice, data protection, news by sally

‘“Our justice system is years behind other public services like health and education in collecting and using data to understand performance and impact” says Natalie Byrom, director of research at the Legal Education Foundation (TLEF). “We need a fundamental shift in attitude and culture to ensure that changes are underpinned by solid evidence and that decision-makers are accountable to those who need the law most.”’

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Transparency Project, 24th February 2023

Source: transparencyproject.org.uk

English football’s regulator: what will it do and is it a blow for Premier League? – The Guardian

Posted February 24th, 2023 in consultations, government departments, news, sport by sally

‘At last, a regulator for English football! Perhaps not a chant that’s going to echo around the terraces, but yes, the government has published its long-awaited white paper into governance of the national sport (top five divisions of the men’s game only) and proposed an independent regulator.’

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The Guardian, 23rd February 2023

Source: www.theguardian.com

FCA set to regulate ‘buy now pay later’ payment products in UK – OUT-LAW.com

‘The UK government has published draft legislation which would bring the fast-growing “buy now pay later” (BNPL) industry within Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulation and bolster protection for consumers.’

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OUT-LAW.com, 17th February 2023

Source: www.pinsentmasons.com