The Law Gazette The number of professional negligence claims against law firms in the High Court has almost halved in a year, data compiled by City firm RPC reveal today. But the firm warned of a large amount of potential litigation in the background. The drop to 221 cases in 2015 down from 418 the…
The Law Gazette The president of the Family Division has proposed introducing mandatory restrictions on the number of pages in court documents for family cases, alleging that lawyers have ignored previous calls for restraint. Last February Sir James Munby (pictured) criticised lawyers for ‘routinely’ ignoring practice directions imposing a 350-page limit on bundles, warning that…
The guardian Appeal court says detention of Miranda was lawful but clause under which he was held is incompatible with European human rights convention The court of appeal rules in the David Miranda case – video A key clause in the Terrorism Act 2000 is incompatible with the European convention on human rights, the master…
Fewer witnesses in criminal cases are turning up at court, a watchdog has warned. Fewer witnesses in criminal cases are turning up at court, a watchdog has warned. Attendance is falling despite an increase in the number of witness summonses issued, HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) said. Chief inspector Kevin McGinty said: “Fewer and…
The Law Society Gazette Motor insurers would net an annual windfall exceeding £1bn from fresh curbs on the rights of injury victims – if the industry booked as profit the savings it says it will make from reform. Industry data shows that the £50 per premium saving promised by the government could yield a massive…
The Law Gazette Health ministers intend to introduce fixed fees for clinical negligence cases by 1 October – despite not yet releasing a promised consultation on the issue. Responding to a written parliamentary question, health minister Ben Gummer (pictured) confirmed the intended start date for fixed recoverable costs for claims, following the outcome of the…
The Law Gazette The Treasury has admitted that it has no intention of intervening to force insurers to pass on savings from whiplash reforms. The government plans to increase the small-claims limit for personal injury claims to £5,000, as well as scrap general damages for RTA soft-tissue injuries. The reforms are largely founded on the…
Lord chief justice says in annual report to parliament that one result is rise in number of litigants unrepresented in court The lord chief justice, Lord Thomas, also said judges felt under-appreciated. Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA Civil justice is unaffordable for most people, more people are being forced to represent themselves, and judges – whose pensions…
The Guardian Police in talks with Home Office to ensure immediate surrender of passports after case of Londoner suspected of being masked man in Isis video Rules on police bail are ‘fairly toothless’ because police are unable to prosecute breaches of any bail conditions, the Met’s counter-terror chief, Mark Rowley, has told MPs. Photograph: Dominic…
BBC NEWS New tests should be introduced to assess whether a defendant facing criminal charges is mentally fit to stand trial, the Law Commission says. Currently two doctors, including a psychiatrist, advise judges on a defendant’s fitness before a trial. But the commission, an independent body that reviews laws in England and Wales, wants advice…
