*/
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.
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
