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New prosecution guidelines
The CPS has issued Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse which set out the approach that prosecutors should take when dealing with these cases. They deal with early consultation between the police and the CPS, case management from the time of the first complaint through to the trial, the care of victims and witnesses (including keeping them informed, counselling and therapy), the inter-play of criminal and family proceedings and how to present cases at court.
Prosecution counsel is enjoined to ensure that in their opening speech they address myths and stereotypes about child sexual abuse, to adduce expert evidence where appropriate, and to ask the judge to give specific directions to the jury. In addition, they should read and be familiar with the Advocates’ Gateway (www.theadvocatesgateway.org) and the Judicial College Bench Checklist for Young Witness Cases (www.judiciary.gov.uk).
Pupillage matched funding
Applications for the Council of the Inns of Court 2014-15 Pupillage Matched Funding Scheme close on 2 December at 5pm. Set up to encourage additional pupillages, the new scheme is open to chambers whose work is predominantly publicly funded (see p 19). Apply at: www.innsofcourt.org.uk.
Flexibility: ‘in it to win it’
Lady Hale, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, has urged a diverse field of candidates to apply for the flexible working post (Queen’s Bench Division) in the current High Court selection exercise: “We know there are plenty of able women and other diverse lawyers out there who could be great judges. There are fewer barriers now than ever before. But if you don’t apply they can’t appoint you – you have to be ‘in it to win it’,” she said. Provisions were enacted in April enabling flexible, part-time working for the High Court bench. Applications close at noon on 4 November.
Prosecution counsel is enjoined to ensure that in their opening speech they address myths and stereotypes about child sexual abuse, to adduce expert evidence where appropriate, and to ask the judge to give specific directions to the jury. In addition, they should read and be familiar with the Advocates’ Gateway (www.theadvocatesgateway.org) and the Judicial College Bench Checklist for Young Witness Cases (www.judiciary.gov.uk).
Pupillage matched funding
Applications for the Council of the Inns of Court 2014-15 Pupillage Matched Funding Scheme close on 2 December at 5pm. Set up to encourage additional pupillages, the new scheme is open to chambers whose work is predominantly publicly funded (see p 19). Apply at: www.innsofcourt.org.uk.
Flexibility: ‘in it to win it’
Lady Hale, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, has urged a diverse field of candidates to apply for the flexible working post (Queen’s Bench Division) in the current High Court selection exercise: “We know there are plenty of able women and other diverse lawyers out there who could be great judges. There are fewer barriers now than ever before. But if you don’t apply they can’t appoint you – you have to be ‘in it to win it’,” she said. Provisions were enacted in April enabling flexible, part-time working for the High Court bench. Applications close at noon on 4 November.
New prosecution guidelines
The CPS has issued Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse which set out the approach that prosecutors should take when dealing with these cases. They deal with early consultation between the police and the CPS, case management from the time of the first complaint through to the trial, the care of victims and witnesses (including keeping them informed, counselling and therapy), the inter-play of criminal and family proceedings and how to present cases at court.
Chair of the Bar reports back
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest ONS data on drug misuse and its implications for toxicology testing in family law cases
A career shaped by advocacy beyond her practice, and the realities of living with an invisible disability – Dr Natasha Shotunde, Black Barristers’ Network Co-Founder and its Chair for seven years, reflects on a decade at the Bar
The odds of success are as unforgiving as ever, but ambition clearly isn’t in short supply. David Wurtzel’s annual deep‑dive into the competition cohort shows who’s entering, who’s thriving and the trends that will define the next wave
Where to start and where to find help? Monisha Shah, Chair of the King’s Counsel Selection Panel, provides an overview of the silk selection process, debunking some myths along the way
Do chatbot providers owe a duty of care for negligent misstatements? Jasper Wong suggests that the principles applicable to humans should apply equally to machines
There is no typical day in the life as a Supreme Court judicial assistant, says Josephine Gillingwater, and that’s what makes the role so enjoyably diverse
