Procedures

Articles

22 Sept 2009

Update: planning

Gregory Jones and Sarah Sackman consider cases on the expansion of Stansted airport, unlawful developments, screening opinions, the interpretation of planning control and giving reasons for granting permission

22 Sept 2009

Late for an important date

With firms being quoted higher premiums than ever and many being refused cover, solicitors are struggling to meet the renewal deadline. Jean-Yves Gilg reports

22 Sept 2009

Playing by the rules

Charities must ensure that any political activity they get involved in facilitates the work they do and that the costs are justified, says James Kilby

22 Sept 2009

Friendly fire

Solicitors considering litigation should act promptly but not hastily to avoid being either sued by clients or reprimanded by the courts, warns Seamus Smyth

15 Sept 2009

The American dream?

The SFO's new guidelines for dealing with overseas corruption contain admirable aims, but it remains to be seen how successful implementing an American model will be, says Hassan Khan

15 Sept 2009

Lawyers without frontiers: Fiji after the coup

The military coup that overthrew the legitimately elected government of Fiji two years ago remains a threat to the rule of law and to the independence of lawyers, says Sara Chandler

15 Sept 2009

Just the job

“Don't take this the wrong way but I hope I never see you again.” This is the valedictory that I have received many times from the tearfully grateful and the plain relieved. I don't suppose that architects, doctors, plumbers or roadside mechanics get quite the same expression of thanks. It all rather sums up the absolute nature of what we do: the moment that the jury returns with its verdict and the foreman is asked to “please stand”, the whole room holds its breath. Whether prosecuting or defending, it is an incredibly tense, awful, unbearable moment. I used to be superstitious – writing the 'g' in my notebook and wondering whether I would by some miracle be putting an 'n' in front of it. Now I just close my notebook and pretend that it is not happening. I don't know what the judge feels about a verdict – perhaps the judge really is above it all – but I suspect that where it is possible to have formed a view there is the occasional tingle of nerves.

15 Sept 2009

Update: consumer

Mark Lucas examines the new consumer White Paper, the OFT's latest moves against Foxtons, and the recently proposed Personal Responsibility Bill