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Barristers gleaned a hint of what the future may hold, with the emergence of a rash of political manifestos launched in April.
The three main parties outlined their promises for legal reform ahead of the general election, as politicians jockeyed for position at the post.
Labour has pledged to “find greater savings” in the legal aid budget and the court system by “increasing the use of successful ‘virtual courts’ which move from arrest, to trial to sentencing in hours rather than weeks or months”. High-earning offenders sent to prison will be required to repay part of their upkeep costs. Asset confiscation will become a “standard principle”, with communities given a say in how seized assets are used.
Victims of crime will be offered a dedicated support worker during the trial, as part of plans to “put the victim first” under a new National Victims Service.
Labour will retain the tripartite system of financial regulation and has strengthened the powers of the Financial Services Authority.
The Conservatives say they would hold a “fundamental review” of legal aid, if elected, and would consider alternative ways to fund legal aid. They would take steps to ensure victims of crime are kept better informed about ongoing criminal proceedings, and would give householders greater legal protection if they act reasonably to stop a crime or defend themselves against intruders.
The Human Rights Act 1998 would be scrapped and replaced with a UK Bill of Rights. The right to request flexible working would be extended to every parent with a child under the age of 18.
The Conservatives would abolish the Financial Services Authority and strengthen the regulatory powers of the Bank of England.
The Liberal Democrats would allow intercept evidence in court and reduce the maximum period of pre-charge detention for terrorist suspects to 14 days. They would introduce a presumption against short-term sentences of less than six months, and increase the use of community sentences.
They would invest in restorative justice programmes, defend trial by jury and set up Neighbourhood Justice Panels to give communities a say in how anti-social behaviour perpetrators are punished.
They would introduce a written constitution and a Freedom Bill to “protect and restore” freedoms, regulate CCTV, stop councils spying on people and protect free speech
Victims of crime will be offered a dedicated support worker during the trial, as part of plans to “put the victim first” under a new National Victims Service.
Labour will retain the tripartite system of financial regulation and has strengthened the powers of the Financial Services Authority.
The Conservatives say they would hold a “fundamental review” of legal aid, if elected, and would consider alternative ways to fund legal aid. They would take steps to ensure victims of crime are kept better informed about ongoing criminal proceedings, and would give householders greater legal protection if they act reasonably to stop a crime or defend themselves against intruders.
The Human Rights Act 1998 would be scrapped and replaced with a UK Bill of Rights. The right to request flexible working would be extended to every parent with a child under the age of 18.
The Conservatives would abolish the Financial Services Authority and strengthen the regulatory powers of the Bank of England.
The Liberal Democrats would allow intercept evidence in court and reduce the maximum period of pre-charge detention for terrorist suspects to 14 days. They would introduce a presumption against short-term sentences of less than six months, and increase the use of community sentences.
They would invest in restorative justice programmes, defend trial by jury and set up Neighbourhood Justice Panels to give communities a say in how anti-social behaviour perpetrators are punished.
They would introduce a written constitution and a Freedom Bill to “protect and restore” freedoms, regulate CCTV, stop councils spying on people and protect free speech
Barristers gleaned a hint of what the future may hold, with the emergence of a rash of political manifestos launched in April.
The three main parties outlined their promises for legal reform ahead of the general election, as politicians jockeyed for position at the post.
Labour has pledged to “find greater savings” in the legal aid budget and the court system by “increasing the use of successful ‘virtual courts’ which move from arrest, to trial to sentencing in hours rather than weeks or months”. High-earning offenders sent to prison will be required to repay part of their upkeep costs. Asset confiscation will become a “standard principle”, with communities given a say in how seized assets are used.
Update from the Chair of the Bar
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
Unlocking your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step. By Philip N Bristow
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, discusses the upcoming changes to pensions and Inheritance Tax and the potential impact on your financial future
Save the Children UK is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
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
Oliver Lewis spotlights an overlooked yet rapidly evolving area of law – coercive and controlling behaviour within care contexts
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