Parents of student who killed herself launch legal action against University of Bristol – The Guardian

‘The parents of a student with severe social anxiety who took her own life on the day she was scheduled to face “the ordeal” of an important oral test have launched legal proceedings against her university, claiming she was the victim of negligence and disability discrimination.’

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The Guardian, 20th July 2020

Source: www.theguardian.com

Claimant with Down Syndrome secures permission for judicial review of charging policy of county council – Local Government Lawyer

‘A 24-year-old woman with Down Syndrome has been granted permission for a judicial review challenge of Norfolk County Council’s policy of charging people for essential care and support.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 14th July 2020

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Discrimination and ‘No DSS’ – Nearly Legal

‘As we have seen before, Shelter have been supporting discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010 against letting agents who operate a ‘No DSS’ policy (meaning a refusal to even consider people claiming housing related benefits – who are often employed – as applicants for tenancies. The DSS ceased to exist in 2001, which suggests how longstanding this issue is). These claims all settled out of court. Now a claim has gone to judgment.’

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Nearly Legal, 14th July 2020

Source: nearlylegal.co.uk

A Local Authority v JB [2020] EWCA Civ 735 – Pump Court Chambers

‘In this recent decision the Court of Appeal has arguably reset the last 15 years of jurisprudence surrounding P’s capacity in regards of sexual relations. The previous case law focused on P’s ability to consent to such relations, and whether P understood the information relevant to that decision. Traditionally the ‘information relevant’ analysis took a protectionist stance, considering whether P understood the risks or pregnancy or sexual disease etc. This decision however makes it clear that information relevant to the decision, also includes the ability to understand the importance of a partner consenting to such relations.’

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Pump Court Chambers, 23rd June 2020

Source: www.pumpcourtchambers.com

The family court and vulnerable people – Transparency Project

Posted July 13th, 2020 in children, disabled persons, equality, families, family courts, news by sally

‘Judges and magistrates of the family court deal with some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Quite often, people will find it difficult to participate because of their vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities could cover a wide spectrum of barriers to participation: some litigants may have cognitive or mental health problems; some may have an intellectual disability; some may have a physical disability; and some may be particularly vulnerable as a result of the experiences they have suffered.’

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Transparency Project, 11th July 2020

Source: www.transparencyproject.org.uk

Court of Appeal Re-examines Test for Causation Under Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010 – Old Square Chambers

‘The Court of Appeal has delivered judgment in the case of Robinson v Department for Work and Pensions [2020] EWCA Civ 859, a decision which confirms that it is insufficient for a Claimant to argue, on a claim under section 15 of the Equality Act 2010, that “but for” their disability they would not have been put in a situation that led to unfavourable treatment. Rather, the focus needs to be on the reasons for the treatment itself. In so finding, the Court has approved of the obiter comments of Underhill LJ in Dunn v Secretary of State for Justice [2019] IRLR 298.’

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Old Square Chambers, 7th July 2020

Source: www.oldsquare.co.uk

Council faces judicial review over SEND cuts – Local Government Lawyer

‘A group of parents of children with special educational needs or disabilities has been granted permission to take the London Borough of Waltham Forest to judicial review over spending cuts.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 9th July 2020

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Determining and Recording Best Interests – 39 Essex Chambers

‘The purpose of this document is to provide those who have to consider best interests with an overview of the relevant law and principles. Its focus is on: (a) how to apply the MCA 2005 principles when assessing best interests; and (b) how to record your assessment, primarily in the context of health and welfare decisions. It is a companion to our guide to carrying out capacity assessments.’

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33 Essex Chambers, July 2020

Source: 1f2ca7mxjow42e65q49871m1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com

Council to review decision-making process and reimburse mother after boy left without suitable education for second time – Local Government Lawyer

‘Norfolk County Council has agreed to review its decision-making process and internal communications in relation to its special educational needs services, and provide its People and Communities select committee with regular updates on its performance, following a critical report from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 2nd July 2020

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Solicitor fined after conviction for abusive Facebook messages – Legal Futures

‘A junior solicitor diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome who was convicted after sending a woman he briefly dated a series of abusive Facebook messages has been fined £10,000 by a disciplinary tribunal.’

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Legal Futures, 24th June 2020

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

Court of Appeal allows appeal over refusal of application for intermediary assessment – Local Government Lawyer

‘The Court of Appeal has allowed an appeal from a case management decision in care proceedings refusing an application by a parent with a learning disability for an intermediary assessment and the appointment of an intermediary.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 22nd June 2020

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

BSB defends online exams after students raise discrimination concerns – Law Society’s Gazette

‘The Bar Standards Board has defended its decision to move exams online, saying “there was simply not enough time” to consult widely about the change. Students have claimed the computer-based assessments will discriminate against women, carers and disabled candidates.’

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Law Society's Gazette, 19th June 2020

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

EHRC reports on inclusive justice – UK Human Rights Blog

‘Ten years after the Equality Act came into force, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published their findings and recommendations in a report entitled “Inclusive Justice: a system designed for all”. Although the report recognises where progress has been made, it also identifies very significant problems.’

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UK Human Rights Blog, 16th June 2020

Source: ukhumanrightsblog.com

Triaging Coronavirus treatment – (3) the Guidance and discrimination – Cloisters

As part of our series considering the human rights and equality implications of Covid-19, Catherine Casserley and Declan O’Dempsey consider BMA Guidance on the use of characteristics of age and disability in medical triage in the light of discrimination law. This article considers the impact of discrimination law on the guidance.

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Cloisters, 9th June 2020

Source: www.cloisters.com

Removal of life support was in patient’s best interests and respected his autonomy – UK Human Rights Blog

‘This sensitive and compassionate judgment by Hayden J following a remote hearing of the Court of Protection is therefore worth our attention, as we all become more aware of how acutely things slip out of our control, not least of all our health.’

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UK Human Rights Blog, 12th June 2020

Source: ukhumanrightsblog.com

EHRC urges compulsory disability training for lawyers – Legal Futures

‘Disability awareness should be a professional requirement, and a mandatory element of criminal lawyers’ CPD, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has recommended.’

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Legal Futures, 15th June 2020

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

Vulnerability vs. Disability: McMahon v Watford BC [2020] EWCA Civ 497; [2020] 4 WLUK 99, a sensible clarification – St Ives Chambers

‘This case determines, definitively, that a thorough vulnerability assessment with an acknowledgement of a consideration of the Public Sector Equality Duty (‘PSED’) can satisfy the statutory duty pursuant to section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. No further assessment is automatically required.’

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St Ives Chambers, June 2020

Source: www.stiveschambers.co.uk

Court overturns ‘right to sex’ ruling on man who cannot understand consent – The Guardian

‘The court of appeal has overturned a controversial ruling that a man has a “fundamental right to sex” even though he cannot understand the issue of consent.’

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The Guardian, 11th June 2020

Source: www.theguardian.com

Capacity, DOLS and Covid-19- Updated Guidance – Doughty Street Chambers

‘The Government has provided additional guidance on looking after those who may lack capacity in the pandemic.’

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Doughty Street Chambers, 11th June 2020

Source: insights.doughtystreet.co.uk

Limitation: When Does Time Start to Run? – Hailsham Chambers

Posted June 11th, 2020 in contracts, disabled persons, insurance, limitations, news, restitution by sally

‘The key phrase in most but not all of the sections of the Limitation Act 1980 is the accrual of the “cause of action”. Time runs from the accrual of the cause of action.’

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Hailsham Chambers, June 2020

Source: www.hailshamchambers.com