*/
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.
Looking back on a year as Chair of the Bar
AlphaBiolabs supports vulnerable children and families with its annual ‘12 Days of Christmas’ campaign
By David Cosway (with the help of ChatGPT)
Due to advances in research, technology and techniques, AlphaBiolabs can now offer alcohol testing for head hair samples that are just 1cm in length
With the explosion of interest in governance and the growing need to be multi-skilled to keep career options open, adding an extra string to your bow is not without its merits. The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) Fast Track for the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme could be ideal for experienced professionals to reach chartered governance status
The 2023-24 COMBAR mentoring scheme for underrepresented groups is now open for applications - deadline extended to 12 October 2023
The North Eastern Circuit Leader on his trailblazing career, turbulent early years of practice and his mission to equip all barristers, regardless of their characteristics, with the opportunity to thrive. Interview by Glenn Parsons
From a CPS pupillage to Director of Legal Services at one of the largest prosecutors in England and Wales Michael Jennings describes the interesting and varied life an employed barrister in public service can lead
In 2022 Behind the Gown asked the Bar Standards Board to acknowledge online misogyny and sexism. One year on, the regulator’s revised Social Media Guidance doesn’t go far enough in confronting this issue, say Stephanie Hayward and Charlotte Proudman
Growing your junior practice via international conference and how to fund the trip: Daria Gleyze, Emile Simpson and Sajid Suleman share what they gained from the ChBA BVI Conference
Countering the gatekeeper agenda, troubling news on earnings disparities, spreading best practice in chambers, Pro Bono Week 2023, and the Rules of War
