Burnham orders review into indefinite jail terms offering fresh hope to thousands trapped in prison – The Independent

Posted August 4th, 2026 in news by sally

‘The Independent has repeatedly called for all IPP prisoners to have their sentences reviewed as 2,400 languish in jail, many for petty crimes and some locked up as children, with no hope of release.’

Full Story

The Independent, 4th August 2026

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Mental capacity end of term report – Mental Capacity Law and Policy

Posted August 4th, 2026 in news by sally

‘The court term in England & Wales ends today, 31 July 2026. Whilst this does not mean that the Court of Protection (or indeed the other courts) stop hearing cases, it does mean that there may now be a lull in what has been an exceptionally busy period for those concerned with mental capacity matters. We do not have an August Mental Capacity Report (for the July one – with huge thanks to Arianna Kelly for taking this on in my absence – see here); pending the September Report, there have been further developments in July which do merit flagging.’

Full Story

Mental Capacity Law and Policy, 1st August 2026

Source: www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk

Man jailed for keeping dead mother’s body in freezer and pocketing her benefits – The Guardian

Posted August 4th, 2026 in news by sally

‘A man has been jailed for keeping his dead mother’s body in a freezer at their shared home for almost three years, during which time he received more than £70,000 of her benefits and other funds.’

Full Story

The Guardian, 3rd August 2026

Source: www.theguardian.com

BAILII: Recent Decisions

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in law reports by michael

Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

Sucden Financial Ltd v TMT Metals AG & Ors [2026] EWCA Civ 986 (31 July 2026)

Lay & Anor v Independent Vetcare Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 1027 (31 July 2026)

Manaquel Company Ltd v London Borough of Lambeth [2026] EWCA Civ 972 (29 July 2026)

Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)

Kelenda v R. [2026] EWCA Crim 1002 (31 July 2026)

Nuttall & Anor, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 1013 (17 July 2026)

Freeland & Anor, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 1006 (16 July 2026)

Green, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 1003 (15 July 2026)

Suyolcu, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 1001 (14 July 2026)

Price, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 975 (09 July 2026)

High Court (Administrative Court)

BB, R (On the Application Of) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2026] EWHC 1986 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

Bayswater Support Group & Ors, R (On the Application Of) v Health Research Authority & Anor [2026] EWHC 2043 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

Vernon v Nursing And Midwifery Council [2026] EWHC 1953 (Admin) (28 July 2026)

Bogdan v Gyor Regional Court (Hungary) [2026] EWHC 2017 (Admin) (27 July 2026)

High Court (Chancery Division)

Peter Waddell Holdco Ltd v Bluebell Cars Holding Ltd & Ors [2026] EWHC 2028 (Ch) (31 July 2026)

Palmer & Anor v P1 Pit Stop Ltd & Ors [2026] EWHC 1924 (Ch) (31 July 2026)

High Court (Commercial Court)

JKD & Anor v IKC [2026] EWHC 2031 (Comm) (31 July 2026)

Maersk A/S v Sree Rayalaseema Hi-Strength Hypo Ltd (MV Maersk Seoul) [2026] EWHC 2005 (Comm) (28 July 2026)

Mercuria Energy Trading SA v Baltic Exchange Information Services Ltd [2026] EWHC 1942 (Comm) (23 July 2026)

California State Teachers’ Retirement System & Ors v Boohoo Group PLC [2026] EWHC 1944 (Comm) (14 July 2026)

High Court (Family Division)

N and S (Habitual Residence), Re [2026] EWHC 2032 (Fam) (31 July 2026)

High Court (King’s Bench Division)

Oxfordshire County Council v Cullen & Ors [2026] EWHC 2019 (KB) (31 July 2026)

Manners & Ors v The Cabinet Office & Ors [2026] EWHC 2036 (KB) (31 July 2026)

Perseus Ventures Ltd v Foskett & Ors [2026] EWHC 2008 (KB) (31 July 2026)

Tooley v Times Media Ltd [2026] EWHC 2027 (KB) (31 July 2026)

Drive Time Motors Ltd v Creditsafe Business Solutions Ltd [2026] EWHC 2025 (KB) (31 July 2026)

Source: www.bailii.org

Why are local authorities not applying for remediation orders? – Tanfield Chambers

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘Robert Bowker looks at the First-tier Tribunal’s remediation order in Oyster Bay and considers its significance for local authorities exercising their powers under the Building Safety Act 2022.’

Full Story

Tanfield Chambers, 13th July 2026

Source: tanfieldchambers.co.uk

Saxon Woods Investments Ltd v Costa [2026] UKSC 21: Directors’ Duties, Good Faith, and the Limits of Boardroom Dissent – St Philips Barristers

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘The Supreme Court’s decision in Saxon Woods v Costa is now the leading authority on the scope of the good‑faith obligation under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 (‘CA 2006’). The Court unanimously held that a director’s genuine belief that they are acting in the company’s best interests will not excuse conduct that is misleading, exclusionary, or inconsistent with the duty of loyalty owed to the board. The judgment recalibrates the boundary between legitimate business judgment and fiduciary loyalty, with significant implications for unfair prejudice petitions, shareholder agreements, and corporate governance.’

Full Story

St Philips Barristers, 29th July 2026

Source: st-philips.com

Court of Appeal overturns child arrangements order after disputed domestic abuse allegations were treated as established fact – St. John’s Chambers

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘The appeal concerned D, a seven-year-old child who had remained living with her father and attending her existing school after her parents separated. The mother applied for D to move approximately 50 miles away to live with her and change schools, alleging domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour by the father. Although Cafcass initially recommended a fact-finding hearing, the Family Court decided that one was unnecessary. A later section 7 report nevertheless assessed the disputed allegations, regarded the mother’s account as more compelling and recommended an immediate transfer of D’s residence to the mother as the “only emotionally safe option”. The Deputy District Judge adopted that recommendation and ordered D to live with the mother and change schools. The father’s first appeal was dismissed in relation to residence and schooling.’

Full Story

St. John's Chambers, 31st July 2026

Source: www.stjohnschambers.co.uk

Employment Newsletter – St. John’s Buildings

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘We are delighted to launch the first issue of the St John’s Buildings Employment Newsletter, which we hope will be of interest to all Employment law practitioners. In this edition we have five articles from experienced members of the St John’s Buildings team: Jason Searle, Kevin McNerney, Diarmuid Bunting and Tarlun Ahari, tackling subjects including Vicarious Liability in Employment Law, Legal Privilege and Without Prejudice Communications, Issues of International Jurisdiction in the Employment Tribunal, Interim Relief: A Guide for Respondent Employers, and Medicinal Cannabis and Disability Discrimination.’

Full Story

St. John's Buildings, 28th July 2026

Source: stjohnsbuildings.com

Criminal Law Newsletter – Issue #1 – St. Ives Chambers

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘We’re pleased to launch the first edition of our Criminal Law Newsletter, bringing together practical updates, commentary and guidance on key developments in criminal law.’

Full Story

St. Ives Chambers, 8th July 2026

Source: stiveschambers.co.uk

Online Procedure Rule Committee to develop voluntary code of practice on ethical use of AI – Local Government Lawyer

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘The Online Procedure Rule Committee (OPRC) is to produce a voluntary Code of Practice which will set out inclusion standards, technology and data standards and standards for the responsible and ethical use of AI.’

Full Story

Local Government Lawyer, 31st July 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Judges dismiss legal challenge over grant of permission for new Chinese embassy – Local Government Lawyer

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘A Divisional Court has dismissed a statutory review challenge brought by local residents over the decision by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in January this year to grant planning permission for an embassy for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the site of the former Royal Mint in east London.’

Full Story

Local Government Lawyer, 31st July 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Court of Appeal overturns ruling that blew small claims track “to bits” – Legal Futures

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘The Court of Appeal has overturned a judgment which it said opened the door to “well-resourced parties corresponding their way” out of the small claims track – and would have blown it “to bits”.’

Full Story

Legal Futures, 3rd August 2026

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

Supreme Court state immunity ruling could lead to ‘tidal wave of cases’ – Law Society Gazette

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘A Supreme Court ruling that sovereign immunity does not allow foreign states to escape accountability for injuries caused by acts directed from overseas could open the door to a wave of cases in the UK courts, experts have predicted.’

Full Story

Law Society Gazette, 31st July 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Medico-legal chambers aims to address expert witness shortage – Law Society Gazette

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘Two barristers and a surgeon have joined forces to create a chambers-style model for assigning medical experts.’

Full Story

Law Society Gazette, 31st July 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Former footballer hit with civil restraint order over litigation against firm – Law Society Gazette

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘A retired Liverpool footballer has been made the subject of an extended civil restraint order after a High Court found his ongoing ‘creativity in pursuing’ litigation against international firm Charles Russell Speechlys goes ‘beyond the norm and…requires some intervention’.’

Full Story

Law Society Gazette, 3rd August 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Couple face huge court bill after losing neighbour fight over ornamental squirrel – The Independent

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘A couple have been left facing a huge court bill after a “wretched” 14-year neighbours’ battle over a fence, an ornamental squirrel and a YouTuber’s offensive songs about the man next door.’

Full Story

The Independent, 3rd August 2026

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Disgraced funeral boss who failed to bury bodies jailed for 20 years – BBC News

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘A funeral director who failed to bury or cremate people and gave bereaved relatives the ashes of strangers has been jailed for 20 years.’

Full Story

BBC News, 31st July 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Two more small boat pilots jailed for Channel crossings – BBC News

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘Two men who piloted overcrowded small boats have been jailed for endangering others while crossing the Channel.’

Full Story

BBC News, 31st July 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Puberty blockers trial can start recruiting children after judge rejects legal challenge – BBC News

Posted August 3rd, 2026 in news by Lily

‘A high-profile clinical trial of drugs that can delay puberty in children questioning their gender can go ahead after the High Court rejected a legal challenge by campaigners.’

Full Story

BBC News, 31st July 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

BAILII: Recent Decisions

Posted July 31st, 2026 in law reports by michael

Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

Secretary of State for the Home Department, R (On the Application Of) v Special Immigration Appeals Commission [2026] EWCA Civ 992 (31 July 2026)

Blackberry Ltd v Optiemus Infracom Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 1004 (31 July 2026)

Next Generation Holdings Ltd & Anor v Finch & Anor [2026] EWCA Civ 1015 (31 July 2026)

Entry Clearance Officer v BB & Ors [2026] EWCA Civ 973 (31 July 2026)

Estate of Euan McIntyre Lindsay & Anor v Outlook Finance Ltd & Anor [2026] EWCA Civ 1005 (31 July 2026)

Glint Pay Ltd & Ors v Baker & Anor [2026] EWCA Civ 1023 (31 July 2026)

Entry Clearance Officer v FA [2026] EWCA Civ 1014 (30 July 2026)

D (Change of Circumstances: Domestic Abuse Allegations) [2026] EWCA Civ 969 (30 July 2026)

Randhawa v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWCA Civ 1008 (30 July 2026)

High Court (Administrative Court)

Sex Matters, R (On the Application Of) v National Police Chiefs’ Council [2026] EWHC 1954 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government & Anor [2026] EWHC 2002 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

CGM, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Defence [2026] EWHC 2033 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

Greystoke CB Ltd v Secretary of State for Communities, Housing and Local Government & Anor [2026] EWHC 1997 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

Jeremjan v District Court in Jihlava (Czechia) [2026] EWHC 2034 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

Bark Solicitors Company Ltd, R (On the Application Of) v Worcester Crown Court [2026] EWHC 2026 (Admin) (31 July 2026)

High Court (Chancery Division)

Whittaker v Bertha UK Ltd [2026] EWHC 2029 (Ch) (31 July 2026)

The Wine Enterprise Investment Scheme Ltd v Crowe UK LLP [2026] EWHC 1950 (Ch) (31 July 2026)

High Court (Commercial Court)

FW Aviation (Holdings) 1 Ltd v VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company [2026] EWHC 1996 (Comm) (31 July 2026)

High Court (Family Division)

C (A Child: Relocation to Sweden), Re [2026] EWHC 2013 (Fam) (30 July 2026)

High Court (Patents Court)

Fresenius Kabi SwissBioSim GmbH & Ors v Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc [2026] EWHC 1994 (Pat) (31 July 2026)

High Court (King’s Bench Division)

White & Anor v Hooke Highways Ltd & Anor [2026] EWHC 2020 (KB) (31 July 2026)

Source: www.bailii.org