Last night, following an intriguing debate in the House of Commons in which members displayed the full gamut of understanding of criminal justice, MPs voted to bring forth the “cost neutral” changes to the way barristers are paid on legal aid, which in some cases amount to cuts of 40%. (Technically the Commons voted against Labour’s…
Read moreGuest Post: The Secret BPTC Student on legal aid cuts and the criminal Bar
I am delighted that a current law student, and soon-to-be criminal pupil, has taken the time to write the following explainer on the ongoing dispute between the criminal Bar and the government over legal aid fees and the funding of the criminal justice system. A point which would be easy to lose – and which, more…
Read moreWhy Criminal Justice Matters: Live Event at the RSA
On Tuesday evening, the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) hosted an event, “Why Criminal Justice Matters“, at which a panel of industry experts (plus me) discussed the plight of the criminal justice system, and what can be done to remedy its failings. The discussion was chaired by Joshua Rozenberg…
Read moreBashing burglars and the law of self-defence
The headlines and news bulletins over the past two days have focused on this story: (Your attention is respectfully drawn to the headline, rather than the libido-boosting diet to beat the menopause (no HRT required.)) I make clear at the outset that I offer no comment whatsoever on this particular case. While the editorial slants…
Read moreYour questions answered on the John Worboys judgment
On Wednesday 28 March 2018, the High Court handed down its landmark judgment in the case of John Worboys, upholding the challenge by two of his victims to the Parole Board’s decision to release him. The judgment runs to over fifty pages and does not make for easy reading, so here’s my breakdown of this…
Read moreCrowdJustice Campaign – Alert your MP to the state of criminal justice
I am thrilled to be part of a brand new CrowdJustice campaign, launched today, aimed at shining a light on the crisis in the criminal justice system. The Criminal Bar Association and Young Legal Aid Lawyers are asking for pledges to raise funds so that every single Member of Parliament can be sent a copy…
Read moreWhat’s in a name? Anonymity and me
“There are plenty of other practising lawyers who put their names to their opinions. Why should you be different?” This, entirely fair, question has been put to me in several interviews I have given in the run-up to the release of my book. It often tops or tails chains of correspondence between my publicist and…
Read moreLegally Blonde: The Live Tweet
In the final (for now) instalment in my relentless flogging of pop culture, Friday night was spent Live-Tweeting the legal cinematic classic, Legally Blonde. If you want to find out how it went, click on the Tweets below. ***ANNOUNCEMENT*** So, it’s nearly Friday night. If you, like me, will be stuck in at home…
Read moreLove In The First Degree: Analysing the legal misconceptions of Bananarama
This weekend’s Twitter thread, which has received a surprisingly warm reception (even from Bananarama themselves), is as below. It is important, it struck me as I sat stationary on a snow-stranded train, that we always hold (girl) power to account and challenge legal myths wherever they arise, however difficult that may be. 🎵And the judge…
Read moreQuick Q&A: The Supreme Court decision on John Worboys’ victims and police failings
My latest piece for iNews, on the Supreme Court decision concerning the victims of John Worboys and their fight for compensation for police failings in the investigation into Worboys’ crimes, is available to read here, should this sort of thing be of interest: https://inews.co.uk/opinion/police-fight-compensation-awarded-victims-john-worboys/
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