Organisational – National
#GeneralElection2019 - Human Rights: what do the parties say? Excellent infographic by Rights Info
Published 27/11/2019 by Claire Gilbert
THE GENERAL ELECTION & HUMAN RIGHTS Rights Info is looking at each of the party manifestos and has picked out the key policies relating to human rights. There are huge issues in this election around access to justice and protections of rights. This useful summary brings together the pledges in one place. Rights Info will be updating their page as new manifestos are released.
Call for evidence: Very High Cost Cases (VHCCs) - delays and other problems?
Published 20/11/2019 by Claire Gilbert
The Bar Council Remuneration Committee is reviewing issues faced by barristers across all civil Very High Cost Cases (VHCCs) excluding family VHCCs, including late payments. that you have been experiencing, with the intention of raising the issue with the Legal Aid Agency. The review is specifically concerned with delays, but other issues should also be raised. Deadline for responses has been extended to Thursday 28th November.
Legal Reporting Awards - competition now open! (Bar Council annual award)
Published 20/11/2019 by Claire Gilbert
Calling all Journalists - The Bar Council's 28th Legal Reporting Awards competition has opened. The competition is open to print/online and broadcast journalists in recognition of the media's role in promoting a greater understanding of the law to the public. The winning entries in each category will be awarded £1,000 in prize money. Entries close 2 December 2019 23:59pm.
Lesson for funders – public support for Human Rights must be cultivated
Published 20/11/2019 by Claire Gilbert
The Thomas Paine Initiative has called on funders to help capture the public’s hearts and minds, and counteract the threat to democracy from populist leaders. “Public opinion cannot be left to chance”, and communications strategy must be nurtured“at every stage” of the grant making process.
Is there a ‘culture of refusal’ within the LAA? Legal Action Group needs your views - by 15th November.
Published 13/11/2019 by Claire Gilbert
Is there a ‘culture of refusal’ within the LAA? Legal Action Group needs your views- by 15th November.
Supreme Court decision on Human Rights duties for Courts & Local Authorities - DWP & “Bedroom Tax”
Published 13/11/2019 by Claire Gilbert
The Supreme Court clarified today that Courts & Local Authorities can set aside government regulations that are incompatible with human rights legislation. The case stemmed from challenges to the 2013 housing benefit changes widely labelled the 'bedroom tax'and was supported by human rights organisations Liberty, Child Poverty Action Group and Public Law Project (PLP), with international firm Herbert Smith Freehills. PLP director Jo Hickman said: 'This judgment re-affirms that people should be able to enforce their human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights in any court or tribunal, without having to bring separate legal proceedings - just as the Human Rights Act says they should be able to.
Watch! Video of Solicitor General on how to make Pro Bono Costs Orders
Published 13/11/2019 by Claire Gilbert
How much do you know about Pro Bono Costs Orders? Watch our video of the Solicitor General talking about Pro Bono Costs
myCourtroom – exploring the family court
Published 08/07/2019
Cafcass and the Centre for Child Protection at the University of Kent have launched an interactive online court simulation to help prepare separated parents for family proceedings.
Do clients prefer online contact to speaking with lawyers?
Published 03/05/2019 by Stacey Lamb
Research by mmadigital shows that cost and lack of understanding of legal services could see consumer clients try to avoid direct contact with lawyers.
