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MPs Tom Watson and David Davis have won a High Court battle challenging surveillance laws that allowed police and security services to “spy on citizens” without adequate safeguards. The court ruled that the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act 2014 was “inconsistent with EU law” and ordered that s 1 should be dis-applied. The Act was fast-tracked through Parliament last July, and allowed security agencies to gather information about who suspects contact by telephone and email. The court’s order was suspended until after 31 March 2016 to give Parliament time to reconsider data retention laws in the light of the ruling. The Home Secretary was given permission to appeal.
MPs Tom Watson and David Davis have won a High Court battle challenging surveillance laws that allowed police and security services to “spy on citizens” without adequate safeguards. The court ruled that the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act 2014 was “inconsistent with EU law” and ordered that s 1 should be dis-applied. The Act was fast-tracked through Parliament last July, and allowed security agencies to gather information about who suspects contact by telephone and email. The court’s order was suspended until after 31 March 2016 to give Parliament time to reconsider data retention laws in the light of the ruling. The Home Secretary was given permission to appeal.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
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Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
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Q and A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
