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No to self-financing courts
Making the justice system self-financing is a “major issue of policy” which “dangerously mistakes the nature of the system and its constitutional function”, the senior judiciary has warned. Its response to the Government’s consultation on court fee reform challenged the principle of civil court users funding the family court deficit and criticised the Ministry’s impact assessment, which was separately ‘redrafted’ by the Regulatory Policy Committee.
Placements reach north High achievers from disadvantaged backgrounds in Leeds and Manchester were the first to participate in the new Bar Placement Weeks, run this February in partnership with the Sutton Trust’s Pathways to Law programme at the Universities of Manchester and Leeds.
Last call for LASPO evidence
The deadline for submission of evidence to the Justice Committee inquiry into the impact on access to justice of Part 1 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 is 30 April. For more information see the Justice Committee page on www.parliament.uk.
Environmental sentencing
New sentencing guidelines on environmental offences were published by the Sentencing Council on 26 February, following a public consultation last year. They cover a variety of offences including fly-tipping, noise nuisance, and breaches of waste permits.
Last call for LASPO evidence
The deadline for submission of evidence to the Justice Committee inquiry into the impact on access to justice of Part 1 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 is 30 April. For more information see the Justice Committee page on www.parliament.uk.
Environmental sentencing
New sentencing guidelines on environmental offences were published by the Sentencing Council on 26 February, following a public consultation last year. They cover a variety of offences including fly-tipping, noise nuisance, and breaches of waste permits.
No to self-financing courts
Making the justice system self-financing is a “major issue of policy” which “dangerously mistakes the nature of the system and its constitutional function”, the senior judiciary has warned. Its response to the Government’s consultation on court fee reform challenged the principle of civil court users funding the family court deficit and criticised the Ministry’s impact assessment, which was separately ‘redrafted’ by the Regulatory Policy Committee.
Placements reach north High achievers from disadvantaged backgrounds in Leeds and Manchester were the first to participate in the new Bar Placement Weeks, run this February in partnership with the Sutton Trust’s Pathways to Law programme at the Universities of Manchester and Leeds.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
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
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
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 and 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
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
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
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
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
