Mutiny, chaos and white-noise politics: is anyone in control? Mark Hatcher presents a parliamentary vignette on the eve of the crushing Brexit vote
As 2018 draws to a close, Mark Hatcher reflects on Brexit’s heavy toll, a tumultuous year at Westminster and a glimmer of hope for the criminal justice system
Post-Justice Week, Mark Hatcher is cautiously optimistic: frank exchanges at the MoJ accounts evidence session suggest that Westminster is finally getting the message
Panto season as politicians struggle with the biggest set of challenges since 1945; and will opportunity knock for justice in October’s Budget? Mark Hatcher is concerned
It’s stop-start at Westminster. The flame of legal aid continues to flicker but public attention is focusing Ministry minds. Mark Hatcher examines state of play
‘Houdini May’ may yet escape from her Brexit box, but Mark Hatcher hopes the PM will use the recess to reflect on the place of justice in the government’s agenda
As the Bar leaders’ evidence cuts to the core on what’s wrong with the criminal justice system, Mark Hatcher puts his hope in Gauke to deliver a larger share for justice
The criminal Bar’s future occupies hearts and minds; is it too much to hope the MoJ wakes up and smells the coffee from its spanking-new reception, asks Mark Hatcher
Parliamentary awareness of the justice crisis is building but it’s hardly registering with voters. We need to explain in vivid terms why it matters to us all, says Mark Hatcher
Mark Hatcher weighs the value of select committees’ ‘pester power’ in securing positive change – not least for the Bar. Why then so little scrutiny of their impact?
Salford Quays, Manchester
The role would suit an experienced qualified solicitor, barrister or Cilex qualified of between 3-8 years
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back