General legal information

In this part of our blog we discuss general legal topics that have arisen in the media, as well as general questions about the law, our legal system, our court system, the criminal justice system, the legal profession and getting legal advice. Have a browse through here – you can find tips on choosing a lawyer, questions to ask your lawyer, and suggestions on legal avenues for resolving a dispute.

If you’re interested in learn more about the law and our legal system generally, this is the place for you – have a browse! If you need legal advice, Contact Law can put you in touch with a solicitor who specialises in your area of law.

Government cost-saving scheme delays court proceedings

The Ministry of Justice’s plan to save money by entering into a contract with Applied Language Solutions (ALS) has caused delays and cancellations of many proceedings after interpreters have failed to show up. Two weeks after the £300m private contract was launched, which was to provide interpreters to all courts in England and Wales, the [...]

Youth offenders’ incarceration “seldom serves their rehabilitation needs”

Research by the charity User Voice shows that incarceration, which offers few rehabilitation opportunities, may deteriorate young offenders’ wellbeing. According to the charity many youth offenders come from a turbulent background and have suffered abuse, experienced significant bereavement or had contact with mental health services. Reoffending rates amongst young offenders are high, with around 70% [...]

Women’s prisons creating self-harm environment

The vulnerable state of female prisoners is coming under scrutiny as one of the country’s most experienced prison governors, Clive Chatterton, has written a letter to the Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, expressing his concern for the wellbeing of the female prison population. Chatterton recently retired from his final role as governor of Style’s women’s prison [...]

Amy Winehouse coroner resigns

The coroner who investigated the cause of death of Amy Winehouse has resigned after it emerged that she was appointed despite lacking the necessary qualification for practising in England and Wales. Solicitor Suzanne Greenaway was appointed by her husband, Coroner Dr Andrew Scott Reid, as assistant deputy coroner in 2009. She had previously practised in [...]

Legal services clients increasingly shop around for best deal

The Legal Services Consumer Panel has recorded an increased interest amongst clients to use comparison websites in finding legal services. Despite this, few solicitor firms act on requests generated through such sites. The Panel visited 16 random comparison websites for legal advice on wills and conveyancing. It found that not only did a minority of [...]

High Court judicial review of “menacing” twitter user

A man who was found guilty of menacing use of a social networking site, after he tweeted that he would blow-up an airport which had to close due to snowfall, has appealed his criminal conviction and the matter will today be considered by the High Court. In January 2010 Paul Chambers was planning a trip [...]

Judges consider bringing legal action against the Government over pensions

Several high-ranked judges are contesting proposed reforms to their pensions and have reportedly set up an action group and instructed top-legal counsel to get expert advice. Under the Pensions Act 2012, due to come into effect later this year, significant changes to judges’ pensions and their contributions will be instituted. The Act’s reforms are based [...]

Implementation of Government reforms delayed after strong opposition

The Government is struggling to impose some of its planned reforms. This week has already seen the Coalition Government announcing that it is delaying its planned changes on no-win, no-fee arrangements. Moreover, its Welfare Reform Bill is expected to come under strong criticism as it is debated in the House of Lords today. Yesterday the [...]

Law Society opens new section to support solicitor-advocates

The division between barristers and solicitors is still very much present in England, although the two legal professions are increasingly merging closer together with solicitors being able to partly represent clients in court and the public having increased direct access to barristers. The Law Society is now to launch an advocacy-support section, which will provide [...]

Higher standards imposed on prosecuting advocates

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is looking to improve the standard of prosecuting counsels after they observed several court hearings where the quality of work varied. Unfortunately, some prosecuting barristers did not perform at their best. In order to ensure that the quality of work remains high and consistent, the CPS has selected just over [...]