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Family proceedings – Evidence. The justices had, in the course of private family law proceedings, ordered that an expert be instructed to conduct a psychological assessment of the father. The mother's application for such a report had been made orally during submissions before the court. The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, set that order aside. The justices had failed to comply with the statutory and procedural scheme provided by FPR Pt 25 and PD 25 and s 13 of the Children and Families Act 2014 in respect of the instruction of experts. Further, it had been unlawful to make a mandatory direction that the father undergo what was a form of medical procedure. Finally, the justices had erred in the manner in which they had approached payment of the cost of the report. Guidance was given on the fair process to be afforded to litigants in person whose language was not English.
Family proceedings – Evidence. The justices had, in the course of private family law proceedings, ordered that an expert be instructed to conduct a psychological assessment of the father. The mother's application for such a report had been made orally during submissions before the court. The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, set that order aside. The justices had failed to comply with the statutory and procedural scheme provided by FPR Pt 25 and PD 25 and s 13 of the Children and Families Act 2014 in respect of the instruction of experts. Further, it had been unlawful to make a mandatory direction that the father undergo what was a form of medical procedure. Finally, the justices had erred in the manner in which they had approached payment of the cost of the report. Guidance was given on the fair process to be afforded to litigants in person whose language was not English.
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
