Awaab’s Law
Christian Hansen, co-chair of our Housing Law Committee, spoke to BBC Radio Shropshire (from 20:49) about Awaab’s Law, which requires landlords to fix reported health hazards within specified timeframes.
Hague 19 Convention
New Law Journal covers the UK signing up to the Hague 19 Convention.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “By facilitating the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, the Convention enhances access to justice for citizens and consumers around the world. It also strengthens a positive national and international environment for multilateral trade, investment and mobility.”
Read our press release
Court backlogs
Open Democracy discusses the court backlogs and need for investment in a piece about Palestine Action activists who may face trial after shutting down an Israeli-linked arms factory, Elbit Systems.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said the justice system was “crying out for investment” as he warned against further cuts amid a growing backlog of cases.
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Family court reporting pilot
Today’s Family Lawyer covers the family court reporting pilot being expanded to a further 16 courts across the country.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “We reiterate our support for transparency and open justice, as it will help the public understand how the law works and how decisions are made.
“Transparency in the family courts also allows the public to see how the vast majority of cases unfold, rather than just the big money cases. It shines a light on how the family courts work and the decisions they can make for families.
“Provided it’s done in a sensitive manner, such reporting is a valuable tool in informing the public. It can also raise awareness of what the rule of law means and why it’s important.”
Rwanda bill
Jurist reports on the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill passing its third reading in the Commons unamended.
The Law Society said “the rule of law and access to justice risk being corroded, all for a policy that will have limited impact.”
Also worth a read:
- Post Office scandal: Fixing Horizon bugs would have been too costly – Guardian
- Lady Chief Justice’s concerns over crumbling courts – Times (£)
- Rwanda bill passes through the Commons – BBC
- Consultation on upfront property information – Gazette & Legal Futures
- Pressure over private prosecutions – Times (£)