The last significant update to the planning system occurred in 1947. However, the government has recognised planning red tape needs to be cut if housing stock is going to be created at the required rate. This has triggered a range of planning law reforms – some of which are already in force, others are expected […]
An inquest must be held as part of an investigation into any death in which there is a suspicion it was either not from natural causes or it happened in prison or another state institution. Four questions are answered in an inquest: It is also important to note that an inquest is not a trial […]
If you or the previous owner of your property made major changes to the property without getting the required planning permission, your local authority could issue you with an enforcement if they learn of the changes. This is where the 4 year rule in planning may come to your aid. What is the 4 year […]
Although a coroner’s decision is usually final and difficult to question, there are some situations in which you can challenge a coroner’s decision. There is no formal right of appeal as regards the verdict of an inquest. Contrary to popular belief, as a coroner operates independently in a similar way to a judge, the Chief […]
In recent years the use of remote hearings has been crucial to the efficient and expeditious service of justice in the courts and tribunals of England and Wales but what is the future for remote hearings? When used effectively remote hearings save time and money for all involved whilst ensuring accessibility for court users for […]
In last week’s Spring Budget Chancellor Jeremy Hunt pledged £170m to improve the justice system in a bid to make it “fit for the modern era” by finding alternative ways to tackle the many cases that “should never go to court” saving significant expense. During his budget speech, the chancellor set out how the £170m […]
The Transparency Reporting Pilot (RP) has introduced the presumption that accredited members of the UK press and legal bloggers may attend and report on family hearings held in private, subject to preserving the principle of anonymity. The facilitating mechanism takes the form of a transparency order (‘TO’) acting as an injunction which details the […]
When it comes to how indecent images should be used in family law proceedings, the law states the following should be taken into consideration: 1. FPR Rule 1.1(2) states: “Dealing with a case justly includes, so far as practicable – a) ensuring that it is dealt with expeditiously and fairly; b) dealing with the case […]
2023 was a busy year for criminal law. Major legislative changes made during the year will have a major and long-lasting impact on the way the police and government deals with certain crimes and the way offenders are treated but what were the major changes in UK criminal law in 2023? In this blog we […]
Many still believe the 7 year boundary rule in the UK means you can claim ownership over land you have been using for 7 years. However, this is a legal misnomer; the real answer to the question “what is the 7 year boundary rule?” is that just like a common law spouse, it is a […]