*/
Judicial review
Public lawyers are scrutinising the Government’s response to the Judicial Review consultation, and the associated Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which were published this month. The Bill, part 4 of which contains the provisions on judicial review, is expected to have its second reading on 24 February.
The Government’s original plan to pay lawyers for work on a permission application only if permission to seek judicial review is granted has been revised. Payment will be made for claims that were meritorious when issued, but which conclude prior to the permission decision.
The Judiciary’s consultation response, now published on www.judiciary.gov. uk, had warned strongly of the “chilling effect” of the proposals. The Government has also dropped its proposed change to the test for standing, instead focusing on financial and procedural reforms to limit the “pursuit of weak claims” and “potential for mischief”.
Residence test challenge
The Public Law Project (PLP) has been granted permission to challenge the introduction of the residence test for legal aid. Mr Justice Turner has awarded a Protective Costs Order in PLP’s favour and granted permission for the case to be heard on an expedited basis.
Ukraine rule of law warning
The Bar Council and Bar Human Rights Committee have urged the Ukrainian Government to investigate reports of serious violations of its obligations under Articles 3 and 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights following demonstrations in Kiev and other regions. Ukranian lawyers have reported that court hearings have taken place against demonstrators who were not given the opportunity to obtain legal representation.
Judicial review
Public lawyers are scrutinising the Government’s response to the Judicial Review consultation, and the associated Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which were published this month. The Bill, part 4 of which contains the provisions on judicial review, is expected to have its second reading on 24 February.
The Government’s original plan to pay lawyers for work on a permission application only if permission to seek judicial review is granted has been revised. Payment will be made for claims that were meritorious when issued, but which conclude prior to the permission decision.
The Judiciary’s consultation response, now published on www.judiciary.gov. uk, had warned strongly of the “chilling effect” of the proposals. The Government has also dropped its proposed change to the test for standing, instead focusing on financial and procedural reforms to limit the “pursuit of weak claims” and “potential for mischief”.
Residence test challenge
The Public Law Project (PLP) has been granted permission to challenge the introduction of the residence test for legal aid. Mr Justice Turner has awarded a Protective Costs Order in PLP’s favour and granted permission for the case to be heard on an expedited basis.
Ukraine rule of law warning
The Bar Council and Bar Human Rights Committee have urged the Ukrainian Government to investigate reports of serious violations of its obligations under Articles 3 and 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights following demonstrations in Kiev and other regions. Ukranian lawyers have reported that court hearings have taken place against demonstrators who were not given the opportunity to obtain legal representation.
The Bar Council continues to call for investment for the justice system and represent the interests of our profession both at home and abroad
By Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Sean’s Place, a men’s mental health charity based in Sefton, as part of its ongoing Giving Back initiative
Q&A with Tim Lynch of Jordan Lynch Private Finance
By Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
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
Six months of court observation at the Old Bailey: APPEAL’s Dr Nisha Waller and Tehreem Sultan report their findings on prosecution practices under joint enterprise
The Amazonian artist’s first international solo exhibition is wholly relevant to current issues in social and environmental justice, says Stephen Cragg KC
Despite its prevalence, autism spectrum disorder remains poorly understood in the criminal justice system. Does Alex Henry’s joint enterprise conviction expose the need to audit prisons? asks Dr Felicity Gerry KC
It’s been five years since the groundbreaking QC competition in which six Black women barristers, including the 2025 Chair of the Bar, took silk. Yet today, the number of Black KCs remains ‘critically low’. Desirée Artesi talks to Baroness Scotland KC, Allison Munroe KC and Melanie Simpson KC about the critical success factors, barriers and ideas for embedding change
