SLAPPs consultation response
Our response to the government's consultation on strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) is covered by the Gazette and Business Fast.
"There's a need for action against SLAPPs to prevent potential abuses of the administration of justice," said I. Stephanie Boyce.
"There's a lack of clarity over exactly what a SLAPP is. Before exploring the issue, it is important to clarify the parameters of this kind of lawsuit. This would help ensure the discussion and any remedies emerging from it are sufficiently targeted and do not have unintended consequences, such as suppressing free speech or restricting access to justice."
The Gazette also reports on a 'textbook' SLAPP against the founder of the investigative journalism website Bellingcat, who was represented by McCue Jury & Partners.
Kinship carers
Today's Family Lawyer covers our call for kinship carers to be given access to non-means tested free legal advice to ensure they know their rights and can secure a child's future.
"Cared-for children will often have experienced trauma and tragedy. Research shows children living with kinship carers have a greater sense of stability than those in the care system," said I. Stephanie Boyce.
"It would make moral and financial sense for non-means tested legal aid to be made available in these cases. This would go a long way to protecting children and keeping them out of the care system.
Read our release
Diversity in the legal profession
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce talked to the Yorkshire Post (£) about the lack of diversity at the top of the profession.
The Gazette reports on the lord chief justice's evidence to the House of Lords constitution committee that progress on judicial diversity "has actually been better than people might think." Our view differs.
Action over criminal legal aid
The Evening Standard and the Gazette cover the London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association's announcement that they will be refusing low-paid criminal cases such as burglary.
I. Stephanie Boyce said 'solicitors will continue to leave the profession in droves' without proper investment from government.
Elsewhere, the Times looks at problems with duty solicitor contracts.
Crown court backlog
Over 100 publications including the Independent, the Evening Standard and the Daily Mail look at the crown courts' struggle to find enough judges and lawyers to tackle the backlog.
We said the backlog is decreasing at a 'glacial pace'.
The New Law Journal looks at our reaction to a report from the inspectorates for the police, prosecutors, prisons, and probation service about the justice system.
New Zealand trade deal
City A.M. looks at the post-Brexit trade deal with New Zealand, referencing the presence of our international policy advisor, Catherine Brims, at the first parliamentary committee session.
Airport delays
Gary Rycroft, a member of our council membership committee, is quoted in an Independent piece about airport delays.
Also worth a read:
- The power of pro bono – Today's Family Lawyer
- Concern over remote hearings – The Times (£)
- CMA provisionally find property search provider merger 'substantially lessens competition' – Legal Futures