Category: Latest News

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions which are characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and non-verbal communications.  Autism is generally a hidden disability, and it may not be immediately apparent that a person has it, and they may be undiagnosed. A person with autism may become involved… Continue reading Autism And Crime

The Policing and Crime Act 2017 introduced the power for police to release suspects while under investigation rather than placing them on police bail. Before the Act, a suspect would be released on police bail, with or without conditions, with a date and time to report back to the police station if further investigation was… Continue reading Release Under Investigation

In a recent case, a defendant was acquitted of sexual assault, the Attorney General referred the case to Court to look at a point of law. The question asked was: “Is it necessary for the prosecution to prove, as an element of the offence of sexual assault, not only that the offender intentionally touched another… Continue reading Sexual Assault and Intent

The licensing of air weapons is different across the UK: In England and Wales, there is no need to acquire a licence to hold an air weapon. In Scotland, air weapons owners need a specific air weapons licence. In Northern Ireland, air weapons owners need a firearms licence. It is an offence to sell or… Continue reading Air Weapons – The Law & Proposed Reforms

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the government introduced changes to the custody time limit regulations that extended the custody time limits in the Crown Court by two months to address ongoing delays in the criminal justice system worsened during the pandemic.  In September, Just for Kids Law, along with The Howard League for Penal… Continue reading Custody Time Limits & Young Defendants

It is often said that the function of a Judge during a jury trial, is to act as referee as between prosecution and defence. Whilst a Judge is not entirely side-lined the expectation is that no bias will be displayed against any one party. When a Judge steps over the line and judicial intervention strays… Continue reading Judge as Referee

Very often in criminal cases, several witnesses give similar and sometimes almost identical evidence. At first, blush, if all the witnesses were at the same place, at the same time and witnessing the same event, surely that is to be expected? But if we pause for a moment and consider a group of football fans… Continue reading Witness Independence – Too Much Of A Coincidence?

Buying and/ or selling a house is an exciting, expensive and, at times, stressful experience in our lives. But, for those looking to buy their first home, the conveyancing process, can be quite overwhelming. There is a lot to organise; from legal matters to financial arrangements and various regulations to comply with. To help you… Continue reading Your Guide to Conveyancing

In March, nearly 50% of courts were closed, and jury trials were halted to reduce interaction between court users dramatically. Although 90% of courts have reopened, there is a backlog of cases.   The government has announced a series of new measures to address the current delays in criminal courts. Although some lawyers would argue that… Continue reading Recovery Plan for the Criminal Courts

If the Attorney General believes that a sentence is “unduly lenient”, or too soft as the newspapers may say, she can ask for the case to be referred back to court to be reconsidered. This is what happened to Taha Amin. He pleaded guilty to several robberies and thefts and was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment,… Continue reading Reviewing A Sentence