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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.
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
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
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
The Chief Legal Officer to the Metropolitan Police, barrister Brett Welch, tells Anthony Inglese CB about his mission and the work to turn the Met around
Barrister apprenticeships – shortly to provide the fourth pathway to the Bar – are an ideal opportunity to support local talent and ‘grow your own’, say Tim Coulson and Dr Jane Dennehy
