Andrew Davidson

‘Stand your ground’ killer to face trial in Florida

Filed under Criminal law, Legal news, April 13, 2012 by , No Comments

George Zimmerman now looks certain to face a trial in Florida over his killing of black teenager Trayvon Martin six weeks ago. The case will be watched carefully both in the US and around the world.

It raises significant questions about where the right to self defence ends. There is also the matter of whether the charges were politically influenced. (more…)

US to sue Apple over alleged E-book pricing conspiracy

Filed under Competition Law, Legal news, April 12, 2012 by , No Comments

The United States is to sue Apple and two publishers over e-book pricing. It claims that the technology giant is guilty of colluding over price setting. Five other companies were also named, but they have reached a settlement with the Department of Justice.

The dispute is over Apple’s decision to switch to the ‘agency model’ which allows them, rather than the publishers, to set the prices. Under this approach, the publishers receive a flat percentage of the price, regardless of the actual profits. (more…)

Radical cleric to be deported after human rights ruling

Filed under Human Rights, International law, Legal news, April 11, 2012 by , No Comments

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that radical preacher Abu Hamza’s human rights are not at risk if he is extradited to face trial in the United States.

It had been expected by some quarters that the court would rule that the prospect of being sentenced to life in one of America’s tough ‘Super Max’ prisons would be a breach of his human rights. (more…)

Juror jailed for going on holiday during trial

Filed under General legal information, Legal news, April 10, 2012 by , No Comments

A juror who went on holiday instead of attending the fourth week of a robbery trial has been found guilty of contempt of court and jailed for 56 days.

Janet Chapman, 51, from Blackpool had told Preston Crown Court that there was no reason she could not complete her jury service, even when warned that a serious trial could last for a month. (more…)

Does the internet mean I can represent myself?

Filed under Civil Litigation, August 24, 2011 by , No Comments

The internet is an amazing resource but it cannot always be trusted. Some websites can be informative if you have a general interest in the way the law works but others can be seriously misleading. If you are considering taking someone to court or are being taken to court yourself, you are always best off being represented by a professional lawyer. Be very wary of any website that claims you can avoid paying tax, speeding fines, or being sued for a breach of contract simply by the use of a magic legal formula. The law does not work that way. (More…)