News

CPS outfox Mr Loophole

Thursday 12th February 2015

Prosecutors used a 143-year-old cow-herding law to convict a man of driving a golf buggy while over the drink-drive limit. Paul Crawford was represented by Nick Freeman (aka Mr Loophole), who argued that as golf buggies could not be considered suitable for the road a charge of drink driving could not stand. The CPS then changed the charge to one of driving while unfit, which covers any "mechanically propelled vehicle".

Managing workplace relationships

Thursday 12th February 2015

Posted By: James

Phil Pepper, employment law partner at Shakespeares, examines work place relationships in the Times.

Supreme Court to consider no win no fee rights breach

Wednesday 11th February 2015

Posted By: James

The Supreme Court has begun considering whether the “no win no fee” costs regime breaches the right to a fair hearing. Under the regime, introduced by the Access to Justice Act 1999, lawyers could double their fees if they won a case with litigants required to take out large insurance premiums to cover costs should they lose a case.

Police apologise after requesting Charlie Hebdo buyers’ names

Tuesday 10th February 2015

Posted By:
James

Wiltshire Police have apologised after admitting an officer requested the names of customers who bought copies of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo from newsagents in the wake of the Paris terror attacks. Wiltshire Police said the information had now been “permanently and securely disposed of.”

USC staff bring legal action

Monday 9th February 2015

Posted By: James

Former staff from clothing firm USC are to begin legal action, claiming they received just 15 minutes' consultation over the risk to their jobs before the company entered administration. Thompsons Solicitors has agreed to represent workers on a no-win, no-fee basis.