Law and the Justice System

In an essay to accompany an event with the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, Max Hill QC outlines what independence means for the Crown Prosecution Service in an extraordinary 2020 and beyond, and how it intersects with the Service’s other values and responsibilities.

More flexible working hours and a review of the eligibility criteria are part of the latest plan to improve diversity in the judiciary, especially in the senior ranks.

Proposals to reform the confiscation regime could help recover an extra £8 million per year from convicted criminals, by more accurately and efficiently determining a defendant’s criminal proceeds and more effectively enforcing confiscation orders.

The amount of criminal cash and assets seized by police rose sharply in West Mercia last year.

The Business and Property Courts must “get a handle” on why most solicitors believe the disclosure pilot is not producing cost savings, the professor monitoring its progress has said.

Three former executives of a division of outsourcing firm G4S have been charged with multiple offences in relation to a multi-year scheme to defraud the Ministry of Justice.

 https://www.cityam.com/three-former-g4s-executives-charged-with-multiple-counts-of-fraud/

Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that may make it easier for claimants to succeed in fraud litigation in English courts.

Vulnerable victims and witnesses will be spared the trauma of attending court as technology allowing pre-recording of evidence sessions is rolled out across London and Kent today (24 August 2020).

The Law Society has warned of “legal havoc” if the High Court and Court of Appeal, as well as the Supreme Court, are allowed to depart from EU case law after the Brexit transition period.

https://www.litigationfutures.com/news/law-society-warns-of-havoc-if-courts-depart-from-eu-law

A deputy district judge lambasted law firms’ approach to low-value road traffic claims, describing them as “drivel” and saying “they are mostly prepared in a way which makes me ashamed of our profession”.