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UK Government should be scrutinised over human rights
The Scottish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission have urged the United Nations to scrutinise the UK Government’s intention to replace the Human Rights Act with a UK Bill of Rights.The Commissions’ are giving evidence with the Equality and Human Rights Commission on the UK’s human… Read more ...ECHR rules on indeterminate sentences
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has given its Chamber judgment in the case of James, Wells and Lee v. the United Kingdom. The case concerned three prisoners who were subject to indeterminate sentences of imprisonment for the public's protection as a result of their convictions for violent offences… Read more ...Beltrami & Co. Announced As Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2012
Beltrami & Co. Ltd was announced as Criminal Law Firm of the Year at the Law Awards of Scotland 2012. In a category containing some of Scotland's most well established and decorated criminal defence firms, Beltrami & Co. were described as "a firm who, to this day, continue to be… Read more ...Consultation on schedule 7 powers launched
The public are being asked for their views on the operation of important border security powers in a consultation launched by the home office. Schedule 7 powers are a key part of the UK’s border security arrangements, designed to help protect public safety by allowing people at ports and airports… Read more ...The Law on Contempt of Court
The law of contempt is concerned with interference with the administration of justice. In AG v. Leveller Magazine Ltd. [1979] AC 440, Lord Diplock stated at page. 449: “Although criminal contempts of court may take a variety of forms they all share a common characteristic: they involve an… Read more ..."The Assessor" in terms of s.210B Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995
The purpose of this note is to consider the role of the assessor in relation to the risk assessment under section 210B of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. In doing so, reference is given to how the role of assessor may vary in accordance with the particular forum… Read more ...Be Pedantic & Always Check the Small Print
In a recent case, my client received a summons at the beginning of the year containing five charges, four of which were police assaults. As the trial was about to commence in July, it was discovered that the Court's principal copy of the summons had never been signed by the… Read more ...The Hillsborough Report: Legal Implications
Recent charges proffered upon Rebekah and Charlie Brooks indicate that the CPS has an appetite for prosecuting high profile allegations of perverting the course of justice. The Hillsborough Report found; -Police attempted to change the record of events by removing unfavourable comments about policing in 116 witness statements and… Read more ...Discussion encouraged on victim statements
Victims of crime could have the right to make a pre-recorded oral statement before sentencing to tell the court how a crime has affected them, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has said. At present, a victim can make a written statement, but not an oral one – an issue which Victim… Read more ...More From Our News Archive
- UK Takes Part in Human Trafficking Operation
- Government announces delay to its plans for corroboration
- Warning Over Risks Associated With Acting as a Money Mule
- New criminal offence for tax evaders
- DPP to examine criminal justice approach to human trafficking in England
- Fewer robberies happen in public spaces, a new study finds
- What does the UK-wide lockdown mean for separated families?
- Discussion encouraged on victim statements
