SLAPPs and economic crime
Legal Futures reports the Ministry of Justice has announced additions to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill that will help end SLAPPs connected to financial crime and corruption.
Law Society president Lubna Shuja noted that the focus on economic crime meant “some claimants may still use SLAPPs to stifle scrutiny”.
The Lord Chancellor has also written an article on SLAPPs in today’s Telegraph.
Law Society President speaks to US Muslims
Lubna’s interview with American Muslim Today and the corresponding podcast.
London Legal Walk
Legal Cheek reports that the London Legal Walk, which takes place today, will be led by Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk.
Law Society of England and Wales president, Lubna Shuja, commented:
“I am thrilled to be taking part in the London Legal Walk on 13 June with many others from the legal profession to help raise funds for free legal advice charities. The legal help these charities provide to those in need is more important than ever given the cost-of-living crisis. I encourage everyone who can to join the walk and help raise as much money as possible for access to justice.”
Woman prosecuted for ending pregnancy
The i newspaper discusses the case of a woman who was yesterday sentenced to 28 months in prison for ending her pregnancy during the pandemic. She was prosecuted for administering drugs to procure abortion, contrary to the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act.
Stuart Nolan, chair of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee, said it is a “very rare case” to use laws from “a long, long time ago”.
Explaining how the woman was convicted, he said: “Abortion is not illegal in this country. But you still need to go through processes. You need doctors’ opinions.”
Reducing inheritance tax?
The Times Money Mentor examines whether a trust can reduce inheritance tax. It cites our Law Society Find a Solicitor resource which can help the public find a practitioner.
Online dispute resolution moves forward
The Gazette reports the committee charged with overseeing the creation of the holistic online dispute resolution service will meet for the first time in June according to a government announcement. The committee’s members will reportedly include specialist solicitor Brett Dixon, Law Society Council member for personal injury, as well as members of the senior judiciary.
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