Archive

14 Apr 2009

Hanging around

Often it is necessary to try to de-mystify the court process as much as possible. Often one of the things that worries a client most is where they stand, what they should say to the judge and what they should wear. So, particularly with young or vulnerable defendants, I often go through the whole trial process from arraignment to verdict and what happens if the verdict is guilty. This also helps them ask the question that they don't always want to hear answered: will I go to prison if I am convicted?

14 Apr 2009

Update: planning

Gregory Jones and Thomas Cross discuss inappropriate development in the green belt, environmental impact assessments, disclosure of officers' reports and service of evidence, and sum up the salient points of the Planning Act 2008

14 Apr 2009

In good health?

With healthcare being one of the fastest-moving sectors around, what are law firms doing to keep up, asks Jenny Ramage

14 Apr 2009

A vulnerable point

Protection for vulnerable adults is under increased scrutiny but what exactly does 'vulnerable' mean, and do the safeguards go far enough, asks David Hewitt

14 Apr 2009

The lines are drawn, but where?

Should juries have the right to decide what is criminal, rather than whether the defendant committed an offence, asks Tan Ikram

7 Apr 2009

New season, new HIPs

New HIP regulations, combined with important changes in local authority and personal search charges, are set to make this a seismic spring of change, says Andrew Lloyd

7 Apr 2009

Update: competition

Lesley Davey reviews the European Commission's policy on abuse of dominant position, block exemptions, the application of State aid rules in the context of the economic crisis, and the OFT's new leniency guidance

7 Apr 2009

Update: immigration

Jane Coker reviews the latest cases on family reunion, right to family life, the UN's refugee convention, students, and the recognition of Muslim divorces