*/
The High Court has ruled that the fast-track appeal procedure for processing asylum applications is “structurally unfair” and must be quashed. Mr Justice Nicol said that despite safeguards, asylum seekers and their lawyers were unable to prepare their cases properly in the time allowed. He said the system put asylum seekers at “a serious procedural disadvantage” and appeared to sacrifice “fairness on the altar of speed and convenience”. He delayed his ruling from taking effect to give the Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary time to appeal.
The High Court has ruled that the fast-track appeal procedure for processing asylum applications is “structurally unfair” and must be quashed. Mr Justice Nicol said that despite safeguards, asylum seekers and their lawyers were unable to prepare their cases properly in the time allowed. He said the system put asylum seekers at “a serious procedural disadvantage” and appeared to sacrifice “fairness on the altar of speed and convenience”. He delayed his ruling from taking effect to give the Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary time to appeal.
The Bar Council is ready to support a turn to the efficiencies that will make a difference
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest ONS data on drug misuse and its implications for toxicology testing in family law cases
An interview with Rob Wagg, CEO of New Park Court Chambers
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
Ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC continues his series explaining the impact on barristers. In part 2, a worked example shows the specific practicalities of adapting to the new system
Resolution of the criminal justice crisis does not lie in reheating old ideas that have been roundly rejected before, say Ed Vickers KC, Faras Baloch and Katie Bacon
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
