Government plans to 'correct' court judgments
The FT (£) Guardian, Today UK News and Gazette cover reports the government plans to introduce an 'Interpretations Bill' to 'correct' court judgments on an annual basis. Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce is quoted saying:
"British democracy is founded on the principles that legislation is passed by parliament and that an independent judiciary interprets the rules. This makes sure government has to answer for its actions just like the rest of us. If the government wants to avoid losing court cases, it should ensure decisions are made within the law of the land.
"This sounds like the government wants to retrofit the law to its bad decisions. Something so vital to the character of our nation and our standing in the world should not be debated via lobby briefing and anonymous 'Whitehall sources'."
Our head of justice Ellie Cumbo spoke to Times Radio about our concerns over the plans which would, she said, undermine the rule of law.
Christmas consumer rights
Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, was on BBC Radio Cornwall (from 34:18) this morning talking about consumer rights when it comes to Christmas shopping and booking holidays.
PII pressures
Artificial Lawyer discusses the pressures law firms face to balance risk management with innovations when making decisions about professional indemnity insurance (PII). The piece notes our report that premiums have recently increased between 5% and 50%, despite firm turnover being down 10% on average.
Remote witnessing of wills useful but no game-changer
A survey we conducted about whether to extend remote witnessing of wills beyond January 2022 has found only a small proportion of solicitors have chosen to use it for their clients, the STEP reports.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "While the availability of remote witnessing has not dramatically changed the legal profession's approach to will-writing, it has been a useful option in some circumstances. Solicitors have continued to exercise the highest standards of professional judgment in deciding what is in the best interests of their clients."
Read our press release and our report in full
WTO agreement will cut costs for solicitors
The Gazette reports on the agreement between 67 members of the World Trade Organisation which aims to reduce barriers to international markets.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Nearly all international commercial transactions require the services of lawyers from two or more jurisdictions, and this can be done most effectively where foreign and local firms can work smoothly together. This agreement will facilitate that cooperation."
Also worth a read:
- Whistleblower describes chaotic FCDO Afghan withdrawal operation - BBC
- No.10 pressure to come clean over Christmas party – Daily Mail
- Number of rape reports withdrawn rises - Independent