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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 Chair of the Bar reports back
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
Developing a tech start-up demands a different definition of excellence to the Bar, says Saara Idelbi. The co-creator of Advocatr on entrepreneurship, AI advocacy training, and matching the thrill of a killer cross-examination
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
