*/
Courts
The offence of scandalising the court looks soon to be relegated to history.
A form of contempt, the offence covers conduct likely to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice, such as publication of statements attacking the judiciary.
Following a consultation last year, the Law Commission brought forward publication of its recommendation in favour of abolishing the offence, in December 2012. This was released just in advance of the House of Lords debate, and acceptance of, the necessary amendment to the Crime and Courts Bill.
There has been a lack of clarity surrounding the exact nature of the offence, defences available and compatibility with freedom of expression and human rights. The last successful prosecution for scandalising the court in England and Wales was in 1931. It has been used more recently in other common law jurisdictions, most notably Attorney General for Northern Ireland v Peter Hain MP in Northern Ireland in spring 2012.
The Bill continues its passage through the House of Commons.
A form of contempt, the offence covers conduct likely to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice, such as publication of statements attacking the judiciary.
Following a consultation last year, the Law Commission brought forward publication of its recommendation in favour of abolishing the offence, in December 2012. This was released just in advance of the House of Lords debate, and acceptance of, the necessary amendment to the Crime and Courts Bill.
There has been a lack of clarity surrounding the exact nature of the offence, defences available and compatibility with freedom of expression and human rights. The last successful prosecution for scandalising the court in England and Wales was in 1931. It has been used more recently in other common law jurisdictions, most notably Attorney General for Northern Ireland v Peter Hain MP in Northern Ireland in spring 2012.
The Bill continues its passage through the House of Commons.
Courts
The offence of scandalising the court looks soon to be relegated to history.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Susie Griffin on the admin that keeps barristers from billable work
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
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
