In general terms, we welcome the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill as a means of bringing forward reforms to the Scottish criminal justice system, particularly to amend changes brought about through the emergency legislation hastily enacted in response to the Cadder case, in which we intervened, that recognised the right of access to a lawyer during […]
Immigration Bill
February 10, 2014
JUSTICE is concerned that the Immigration Bill would create a more legally obscure system of immigration control, which places greater power in the hands of administrative authorities without effective means of independent oversight. We regret that the proposal to remove access to an independent determination on appeal from most applicants will – in practice – […]
Anti-social, Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill
January 16, 2014
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill was introduced in the House of Commons following the Queen’s speech on 9th May 2013 and had its second reading on the 10th June 2013. Parts 1-6 of the Bill represent the government’s attempt to overhaul the statutory powers available to tackle anti-social behaviour and disorderly conduct. The […]
Secret Courts Rules: Civil Procedures (Amendment No.5) Rules 2013
July 1, 2013
On 26 June 2013, the Government tabled the Civil Procedure (Amendment No 5) Rules 2013 (“the Rules”) in both Houses of Parliament. The Rules came into force the following day and will lapse unless approved by both Houses within 40 days. Made pursuant to Schedule 3(3) of the Act the Rules will amend the Civil […]
Directive on the Right of Access to a Lawyer and to Communicate Upon Arrest
April 2, 2013
For the past two years the EU Institutions have been considering the adoption of the third measure on a Roadmap to strengthen procedural safeguards for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings. The proposed directive on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and on the right to communicate upon arrest (Measure […]
Crime and Courts Bill
January 30, 2013
The Crime and Courts Bill was introduced to the House of Lords immediately after the Queen’s Speech on 10th May 2012, and to the Commons on 19th December 2012. The Bill is wide ranging in scope and application. Part 1 of the Bill makes provision for a new body to fight organised crime, the National […]
Protecting Victims: EU competences and mechanisms for safeguards
December 19, 2012
This paper was presented at a symposium ‘Legal perspectives on the victim’ held to launch the Centre for Conflicts, Rights and Justice at Nottingham Trent University on 19th December 2012. The paper considers recent efforts in the EU to improve the position of victims in the criminal justice system through the adoption of a directive […]
Justice and Security Bill
December 18, 2012
The Justice and Security Bill contains a series of proposals which JUSTICE is concerned could undermine public confidence in the administration of civil justice and damage the credibility of our judiciary. This Bill would ensure closed material procedures (CMP) – where a party to proceedings and his lawyers (together with the public and the […]
Immigration and Human Rights
June 19, 2012
Following the Home Secretary’s Statement last week on immigration, family migration and the right to family life, the House of Commons will today be encouraged to vote on a Government motion on human rights and immigration. The motion urges MPs to express their support for Immigration Rules published less than 5 working days ago. JUSTICE […]
Defamation Bill
June 8, 2012
The Defamation Bill introduces a statutory definition of defamation and a new minimum threshold of “serious harm” for libel claims. JUSTICE welcomes the Bill as an important step in reforming the law of libel to enhance protection for freedom of expression. JUSTICE Briefing – House of Commons Second Reading – June 2012 Links