The High Court has quashed a Crown Court decision to extend custody time limits in Bernard v Crown Court at Snaresbrook, reinforcing the constitutional importance of the presumption of innocence and confirming that court backlogs alone cannot justify prolonged pre-trial detention.
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Mathurin provides an important reminder of the limits of judicial intervention during criminal trials, reinforcing the need for judges to remain impartial and avoid appearing to support the prosecution.
Researchers warn AI chatbots are contributing to new forms of violence against women and girls, creating legal and policing challenges that existing UK legislation was not designed to address.
A recent Crown Court case highlights the risks of the “all in it together” argument in joint enterprise murder. This analysis explores secondary liability, intent, and why the key question remains: in it together, but to do what?
A Southwark Crown Court ruling in R v Pearce finds a Metropolitan Police pound assistant was not a “public officer”, clarifying how courts assess misconduct in public office and emphasising that the test focuses on an individual’s actual duties rather than employer status.
Proposed reforms in England and Wales could remove jury trials for offences carrying sentences under three years, replacing them with judge-only hearings. Supporters cite efficiency and cost savings, while critics warn of weakened civil liberties, reduced public trust, and a profound shift in the future of justice.
A domestic violence prosecution collapsed after the complainant refused to continue giving evidence, prompting the Crown to rely on res gestae. Defence arguments on spontaneity, reliability, and fairness succeeded, leading to not guilty verdicts.
An overview of early prisoner release schemes in England and Wales, the strain on overcrowded prisons, and the growing number of mistaken releases, including the extraordinary case of a fraud prisoner freed and returning days later.
When phone use, alcohol and drugs are ruled out, what turns competent driving into “dangerous” driving? This article explores human factors, perception limits, unforeseen hazards and expert evidence – and why early specialist defence can be decisive in serious driving cases.
The High Court’s judgment in DPP v Barton [2024] clarifies the prosecution’s discretion to rely on res gestae evidence in domestic abuse cases, even when the complainant does not testify, highlighting the balance between fairness and effective prosecution.
This article examines whether unproven allegations should be admissible in Pre-Sentence Reports (PSRs), exploring the legal boundaries under section 308 of the Sentencing Act 2020, relevant case law, and the role of Defence counsel and the Probation Service in assessing dangerousness.
Elon Musk’s fiery remarks at the “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London have reignited debate about the boundaries of free speech. While critics slammed his warning that “violence is coming,” UK law protects even alarming political speech unless it actively incites violence or hatred. Musk’s words may be provocative, but they stop short of crossing the legal line — a sharp contrast to cases where ordinary citizens have faced prosecution for less.
You are invited to join Cansford Labs for a live Q&A in September with their Head of Lab Operations James Nutt and Deputy Lab Manager Abbi Holloway. This is your opportunity to ask them any questions about the science of sample testing and detection windows.
Motoring offences don’t always warrant standard penalties. Leah Hester of LMP Legal explores how “special reasons” arguments can protect drivers from disqualification, using real case examples to show how legal knowledge and preparation can influence outcomes in high-stakes situations.
Molly Frost from Oakwood Solicitors explores the new CPS Victim’s Right to Review (VRR) pilot, giving rape and sexual assault victims the right to a second case review before dismissal.
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