Criminal extradited from Spain and jailed for non-payment of UK Confiscation Order – Crown Prosecution Service

‘Martin Hickman, who was convicted in relation to the illegal sale and supply of medicinal products in 2009, has been extradited from Spain and jailed for 10 years after failure to pay a confiscation order made against him in 2012 at Southwark Crown Court.’

Full press release

Crown Prosecution Service, 2nd October 2014

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Tailored local support for victims of crime – Ministry of Justice

Posted October 2nd, 2014 in press releases, victims by tracey

‘Tailored local support for victims of crime in place from 1 October 2014.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 1st October 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

New whiplash and PPI claim rules – Ministry of Justice

‘The latest stages of the government’s work on compensation claims take effect today (Wednesday 1 October 2014) with new measures around whiplash and PPI claims.’

Full press release

Minsitry of Justice, 1st October 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

Missing people law changes – Ministry of Justice

‘Families of missing people will have new rights following law changes taking effect from today, 1 October 2014.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 1st October 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

Her Majesty’s Passport Office made directly accountable to Ministers – Home Office

Posted September 26th, 2014 in government departments, immigration, passports, press releases by tracey

‘Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) is to be brought into the Home Office and made directly accountable to Ministers, Home Secretary Theresa May has announced today.’

Full press release

Home Office, 26th September 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/home-office

New, fairer way of calculating barristers’ practising certificate fees announced – The Bar Council

Posted September 26th, 2014 in barristers, fees, press releases, remuneration by tracey

‘The way in which barristers’ Practising Certificate Fees (PCF) are calculated will soon change to become fairer, the Bar Standards Board and Bar Council have announced today.’

Full press release

The Bar Council, 25th September 2014

Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk

A bold new vision for the treatment of victims – Ministry of Justice

‘Victims’ rights will be enshrined in law as part of a major set of reforms announced by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling today.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 14th September 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

New stalking legislation helps to bring thousands more prosecutions as CPS and ACPO launch protocol to improve service to stalking victims – Crown Prosecution Service

‘As stalking-related prosecutions rise, prosecutors and police are being reminded to focus on the devastating impact these crimes have on victims. After the first full year of operation, new stalking legislation has seen 743 cases brought to court – cases which may not have been charged under previous law.’

Full press release

Crown Prosecution Service, 11th September 2014

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Bar Standards Board launches consultation on entity authorisation fees – Bar Standards Board

Posted September 12th, 2014 in barristers, consultations, fees, legal services, press releases by tracey

‘The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has today issued an open consultation paper outlining its ideas on how much it should charge for authorising entities. Entities are organisations that provide advocacy, litigation, and expert legal advice services and which, in this instance, are owned and managed by barristers and other lawyers.’

Full press release

Bar Standards Board, 11th September 2014

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Enforcement and criminal investigations (modernised guidance) – UK Border Agency

Posted August 22nd, 2014 in immigration, press releases, visas, witnesses by tracey

‘This collection brings together modernised guidance about enforcement and processes used by UK Visas and Immigration.’

Full press release

UK Border Agency, 21st August 2014

Source: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Lasting powers of attorney applications to be made simpler and easier – Ministry of Justice

Posted August 22nd, 2014 in internet, powers of attorney, press releases by tracey

‘Lasting powers of attorney will be easier and simpler for people to make, Justice Minister Simon Hughes announces.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 21st August 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

New guidance for instruction of experts in civil claims 2014 – Judiciary of England and Wales

Posted August 22nd, 2014 in expert witnesses, press releases by tracey

‘New guidance for instruction of experts in civil claims 2014 – 15 August 2014

The Civil Justice Council guidance for the instruction of experts in civil claims has been published – 21 August 2014 update

Some minor additions have been made to this new CJC Guidance (with new paragraphs 31, 61 and 87 added).’

Full press release

Judiciary of England and Wales, 21st August 2014

Source: www.judiciary.gov.uk

Charging decision concerning MPS Special Demonstration Squad – Crown Prosecution Service

Posted August 21st, 2014 in press releases by tracey

‘The CPS received a file in relation to a number of police officers under Operation Aubusson, a subset of Operation Herne, which is an investigation into the activities of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Demonstration Squad. The evidence in this case relates to alleged sexual misconduct. In reviewing the case we have considered whether there is sufficient evidence to allow charges of rape, indecent assault, procuring a woman to have sexual intercourse by false pretences, misconduct in public office and breaches of the Official Secrets Act.’

Full press release

Crown Prosecution Service, 21st August 2014

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

More free mediation sessions for separating couples – Ministry of Justice

Posted August 21st, 2014 in arbitration, divorce, legal aid, press releases by tracey

‘Couples should avoid confrontational courtroom battles and use mediation as more free sessions will be funded by Government, Family Justice Minister Simon Hughes has announced.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 20th August 2014

Source: www.justice.gov.uk

Consultation: High Court Family Orders – Judiciary of England and Wales

Posted August 20th, 2014 in consultations, family courts, press releases by tracey

‘Mr Justice Mostyn and his team have produced the third batch of proposed standard form orders for discussion and comment.The President and Mr Justice Mostyn will very much welcome and value comments from as many people as possible.’

Full press release

Judiciary of England and Wales, 19th August 2014

Source: www.judiciary.gov.uk

Children will be seen and heard in Family Courts – Ministry of Justice

Posted July 25th, 2014 in children, dispute resolution, family courts, press releases by tracey

‘Children will be given a greater voice in the family justice system so they can tell judges how they feel and what they think about the family disputes they are involved in.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 25th July 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

The Criminal Practice Directions, revised October 2014 – Judiciary of England and Wales

Posted July 25th, 2014 in costs, criminal procedure, practice directions, press releases by tracey

‘The Criminal Practice Directions, revised October 2014: Summary of Key Changes and Additions.’

Full press release

Judiciary of England & Wales, 23rd July 2014

Source: www.judiciary.gov.uk

Insurance Contract Law – Law Commission

Posted July 18th, 2014 in contracts, insurance, press releases by tracey

‘Report from the Law Commissions of England and Wales and of Scotland making recommendations for reform to modernise business insurance law. The majority of these recommendations are included in the Government’s Insurance Bill.’

Full press release

Law Commission, 17th July 2014

Source: www.justice.gov.uk/lawcommission

Data Retention & Investigatory Powers Bill receives Royal Assent – Home Office

‘Legislation to ensure UK law enforcement and intelligence agencies continue to have access to the vital evidence and information they need to investigate criminal activity, prevent terrorism and protect the public has today (Thursday 17 July) received Royal Assent.’

Full press release

Home Office, 17th July 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/home-office

Home Secretary oral statement on child abuse – Home Office

Posted July 8th, 2014 in child abuse, documents, inquiries, parliament, press releases by tracey

‘Theresa May oral statement to Parliament on child abuse investigations.’

Full story

Home Office, 7th July 2014

Source: www.gov.uk/home-office