On 7 May 2014 – next Wednesday – the House of Lords will debate a Motion to Regret the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) (Amendment) (No 3) Regulations 2014 (“the Regulations”), tabled by Lord Pannick QC. JUSTICE has today written to all Peers urging them to support Lord Pannick’s Motion to Regret. The Regulations were laid […]
Unjustified judicial review reforms restrict access to justice
April 30, 2014
JUSTICE welcomes a Report published today, by the Joint Committee on Human Rights (“JCHR”) – an influential cross-party Committee of MPs and Peers – which concludes that the Government’s proposals to reform judicial review and limit legal aid for public law challenges may be incompatible with access to justice and endanger the rule of law. […]
Lord Chief Justice launches JUSTICE Strategy
March 4, 2014
We were delighted that Lord Chief Justice has launched our strategy for 2014-16. His speech – Reshaping Justice – was apt. The new strategy reflects a reinvigoration of our organisation, one which sees us return our focus to the proper working of our justice system. We launch our new vision at a time when that […]
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 […]
Saudi torture judgment must not undermine international torture ban
January 14, 2014
JUSTICE, Amnesty International, REDRESS & INTERIGHTS respond to the European Court of Human Rights’ judgment in Jones v UK After more than ten years of litigation, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has today told three British men that they cannot sue Saudi Arabia or its officials for torture they claim they were subjected […]
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 […]
Smith and others v Ministry of Defence [2013]
June 19, 2013
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 […]