New non-fatal strangulation offence comes into force
Abusers who strangle their partners in an attempt to control or induce fear will face up to five years behind bars as a new offence came into force this week. Non-fatal strangulation was made a specific offence as part of the government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Act. The practice typically involves a perpetrator strangling or intentionally affecting […]
Cost of living impact could be “worse than pandemic”
A survey has discovered that a fifth of businesses expect the cost of living crisis’ impact to hit harder than the pandemic. The research, conducted by BDO, assessed 500 leaders of medium-sized businesses. It looked into the biggest threats to business over the forthcoming six months. The results painted a picture where rising energy costs […]
Court told boy on life-support “partially brain dead”
In the ongoing case surrounding a boy on life-support’s hospital treatment, the High Court heard from an expert that parts of the boy’s brain have already died. The boy, Archie Battersbee, 12, has been in a coma since April after suffering a “freak accident” at home. His mother, Hollie, said she found him with a […]
Government boosts family mediation scheme funding
Thousands more separating parents will avoid stressful and expensive courtroom battles after a government mediation scheme was more than doubled in size. An extra £5.4 million in funding will help more families to resolve disputes away from court, such as contact arrangements for children. Under the scheme, £500 mediation vouchers are provided to divorcing couples […]
Alienating behaviour: new guidance on expert witnesses
The Family Justice Council has published new interim guidance in relation to expert witnesses in cases where there are allegations of alienating behaviours (with regard to conflicts of interest). On the importance of the expert being alert to potential conflicts of interest, the Family Justice Council/British Psychological Society guidance for Psychologist expert witnesses (reviewed 2022) […]
Matured CTFs: £374 million left unclaimed
New figures issued by HMRC reveal that in April 2021, an incredible £10.4 billion was held in Child Trust Funds (CTFs) of which £374 million remains unclaimed in matured accounts. CTFs started maturing in September 2020, and between then and April 2021, £374 million has since remained unclaimed in matured accounts. That’s almost as much […]
LawTech cements UK position as a global legal centre
LawTech continues to play an important role in cementing the UK’s position as a leading global legal centre, the Law Society of England and Wales said following the publication of LawTechUK’s Impact Assessment report. Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “The UK is a longstanding global leader in legal services, with English law estimated […]
