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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.
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
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
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
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
