Firearms Sentencing Guidelines Reformed
The Sentencing Council is consulting on a new guideline for some of the most commonly prosecuted firearms offences. At the moment, guidance is to be found only in case law, and this can lead to a challenging sentencing exercise.
What Is Diplomatic Immunity?
The topic of Diplomatic Immunity has been in the news this week. The UK Foreign Secretary is requesting the wife of a US diplomat be returned to the UK to face a criminal investigation into the death of a 19 year old here in the UK. She has claimed Diplomatic Immunity, and so far, the US Government has refused for the immunity to be waived. So what is Diplomatic Immunity – and how does it work?
Tories Vow Tougher Sentencing Violent / Sexual Crimes
The Conservative Party Conference has seen calls being met for the Government to get tough on sentencing for violent and sexual crimes. This article looks at what these changes will mean moving forward and for existing offenders in the system.
Your Legal Rights – Are They A Mere Illusion?
The EU has published a report, ‘Rights in practice: access to a lawyer and procedural rights in criminal and European arrest warrant proceedings’, that details the extent to which fundamental human rights, in the context of criminal justice, are upheld across the EU. So what are your rights – and are they fully exercised?
Delayed Justice
In the case of Janet Commins, forensic evidence saw the original conviction of her “killer” overturned as new technology convicted someone else of her killing.
The Absent Witness
In some circumstances, it may be the case that there may be an absent witness. There can be numerous reasons for this – but the question is can the defence use this to their advantage?
More Sentences At Risk of Prosecution Appeal
There is to be an increase in the number of offences subject to prosecution appeal, where it may be deemed that sentences applied are unduly lenient.
Forensic Gait Analysis
This article looks at Forensic Gait Analysis and how the way you walk could be used in evidence against you.
Cause Challenges – Can The Defence Challenge a Juror’s Selection In The UK
Juror Cause Challenges are common for the defence to use in the US to remove to unsuitable jurors, but can this be used in the UK?
Using a Cut Throat Defence
A cut-throat defence is where one defendant gives evidence that is damaging to a co-defendant’s case, sometimes going as far as directly accusing the other person of the crime, while typically seeking to exonerate themselves.
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