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Speculation is growing that the controversial criminal courts charge, levied on all those convicted in the criminal courts regardless of their means, could be scrapped. Peers voted against the charge by 132 to 100, defeating the government in a debate last month and more than 50 magistrates have resigned rather than impose the charge on inpecunious defendants. Partner at London firm Kingsley Napley, Stephen Parkinson, started a petition against it and hopes to get 100,000 signatures to secure a parliamentary debate.
Speculation is growing that the controversial criminal courts charge, levied on all those convicted in the criminal courts regardless of their means, could be scrapped. Peers voted against the charge by 132 to 100, defeating the government in a debate last month and more than 50 magistrates have resigned rather than impose the charge on inpecunious defendants. Partner at London firm Kingsley Napley, Stephen Parkinson, started a petition against it and hopes to get 100,000 signatures to secure a parliamentary debate.
Chair of the Bar reflects on 2025
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q&A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
Revolt Cycling in Holborn, London’s first sustainable fitness studio, invites barristers to join the revolution – turning pedal power into clean energy
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, reflects on how the company’s Giving Back ethos continues to make a difference to communities across the UK
By Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC present their best buys for this holiday season
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Little has changed since Burns v Burns . Cohabiting couples deserve better than to be left on the blasted heath with the existing witch’s brew for another four decades, argues Christopher Stirling
Pointillism, radical politics and social conscience. Review by Stephen Cragg KC
