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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 age of criminal responsibility, extreme weather and conflict resolution – plus, new protocol for reporting bullying at the Bar
By David Green
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Oliver Lewis spotlights an overlooked yet rapidly evolving area of law – coercive and controlling behaviour within care contexts
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP discusses her decade as a trade union and employment law barrister, the demands of life as a Law Officer and the number one priority shaping her work. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
A decade of reviews and research has disrupted accepted thinking in the search for causality. Suicides following abuse have overtaken domestic homicides. Is the law keeping up? Professor Susan Edwards KC (Hon) examines recent cases and the obstacles to successful prosecution
At least not that way, says Richard Paige
