The Law Gazette Further details have emerged about the demise of London-headquartered firm Blavo & Co Solicitors, which was shut down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in October. Mr Justice Garnham continued a freezing order against the firm’s former managing director John Blavo in a High Court judgment handed down on 28 January. A freezing…
The Law Gazette Defendant lawyers say they will put forward an ‘independent and principled’ stance on personal injury reforms that will differ from the one taken by insurers. The Forum of Insurance Lawyers has said it opposes moves to increase the small claims limit to £5,000 for personal injury and to remove general damages for…
BBC A draft deal to meet David Cameron’s EU reform demands – including new powers for national parliaments to block unwanted laws – will be unveiled later. European Council President Donald Tusk will publish the text at 11:00 GMT. Mr Cameron is aiming to convince the rest of the EU to sign up to his…
The Guardian Highly critical report says proposed legislation must be reviewed to ensure obligations on tech industry are clear A draft of the bill. MPs said there were still many unanswered questions about how the legislation would work. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA The government’s investigatory powers bill lacks clarity and is sowing confusion among tech firms…
The Guardian Independent inquiry into recruit Cheryl James’s death in 1995 is ‘milestone’ in history of unexplained barracks deaths Pte Cheryl James, who was found dead with a bullet wound in 1995. Photograph: PA Twenty years after Pte Cheryl James, 18, was found dead with a bullet wound to her face a new inquest into…
The Guardian Psychoactive substances bill may lead to lack of clarity over whether or not suspects are breaking the law, says Durham PCC Ron Hogg Northumbria University research found the main market for legal highs was vulnerable young people. Photograph: Alamy Police could face extra expense and confusion as a result of discrepancies in the…
The Law Gazette Lord Justice Jackson, the architect of the present civil costs regime, last night called for fixed costs to apply to all claims valued up to £250,000. Jackson urged government ministers to make reform an immediate priority with a view to setting fixed recoverable costs by the end of this year. Having carved out…
The Law Gazette The government has today announced it is scrapping a controversial new contracting scheme for criminal legal aid. In a written ministerial statement this afternoon, justice secretary Michael Gove (pictured) said he had decided ‘not to go ahead with the introduction of the dual contracting system’. He will also suspend, for a period…
Independent The ruling follows a legal challenge by a domestic violence victim and the family of a disabled teenager The tax has been ruled unlawful The Government’s so-called “Bedroom Tax” policy has been declared discriminatory and unlawful by the Court of Appeal. Judges made the decision following a legal challenge against the Government by a…
The Guardian MPs told fees rise was based on ‘hopeless’ evidence to plug £100m hole and hit small businesses, divorcees and employees The master of the rolls said ‘enhanced fees’ meant users of civil courts were subsiding the family and criminal courts. Photograph: Velar Grant/Demotix/Corbis Court fee increases that were hastily introduced to plug a…
