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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 Bar Council will press for investment in justice at party conferences, the Chancellor’s Budget and Spending Review
Equip yourself for your new career at the Bar
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Millicent Wild of 5 Essex Chambers describes her pupillage experience
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Casedo explains how to hit the ground running on your next case with a four-step plan to transform the way you work
If you are in/about to start pupillage, you will soon be facing the pupillage stage assessment in professional ethics. Jane Hutton and Patrick Ryan outline exam format and tactics
In a two-part opinion series, James Onalaja considers the International Criminal Court Prosecutor’s requests for arrest warrants in the controversial Israel-Palestine situation
To mark the fifth anniversary of the Bar Standards Board’s Race Equality Taskforce, Dee Sekar reflects on key milestones, the role of regulation in race equality, and calls for views on the upcoming equality rules consultation
How to start a podcast? Former High Court judge Sir Nicholas Mostyn explains how he joined forces with Lord Falconer and Baroness Helena Kennedy KC to develop and present their weekly legal podcast
Daniel Barnett serves up a host of summer shows
