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Secret legal service?
There has been a “disturbing reduction” in the take-up of legal aid cases in civil law, says the Legal Action Group. Figures obtained from the Legal Aid Agency for the first quarter of the current year (2013/14) show that 3,866 fewer people than predicted received civil legal aid – a total shortfall of 52%, with the lowest shortfall in education law at 12% and the highest in discrimination law at 77%.
Civil legal aid – the secret legal service? identifies a combination of factors, including the reduction in the number of organisations offering legal aid, a perception amongst the public that they can no longer get help with any civil law problems, complicated bureaucracy, and a failure by the government to advertise adequately the availability of services. Read the paper at www.lag.org.uk.
Clean Break
The theatre company working with women whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system is presenting Billy the Girl, written by Katie Hims and directed by Lucy Morrison, at the Soho Theatre from 29 October to 24 November. Clean Break operates a year-round programme of theatre productions, new writing projects and drama-based education from its North London studios and in women’s prisons. On 13 November, post-show panellists will discuss concepts of chaos and women in the criminal justice system. Tickets are available from the box office on 020 7478 0100 or www.sohotheatre.com. See also cleanbreak.org.uk.
Civil legal aid – the secret legal service? identifies a combination of factors, including the reduction in the number of organisations offering legal aid, a perception amongst the public that they can no longer get help with any civil law problems, complicated bureaucracy, and a failure by the government to advertise adequately the availability of services. Read the paper at www.lag.org.uk.
Clean Break
The theatre company working with women whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system is presenting Billy the Girl, written by Katie Hims and directed by Lucy Morrison, at the Soho Theatre from 29 October to 24 November. Clean Break operates a year-round programme of theatre productions, new writing projects and drama-based education from its North London studios and in women’s prisons. On 13 November, post-show panellists will discuss concepts of chaos and women in the criminal justice system. Tickets are available from the box office on 020 7478 0100 or www.sohotheatre.com. See also cleanbreak.org.uk.
Secret legal service?
There has been a “disturbing reduction” in the take-up of legal aid cases in civil law, says the Legal Action Group. Figures obtained from the Legal Aid Agency for the first quarter of the current year (2013/14) show that 3,866 fewer people than predicted received civil legal aid – a total shortfall of 52%, with the lowest shortfall in education law at 12% and the highest in discrimination law at 77%.
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
