Alexa – Witness for the Prosecution?
With this recent case in the UK – where information recorded on an Amazon Echo – was used by prosecution as evidence in a murder trial – could data stored on apps and tech lead to a shift in prosecution evidence?
Randox Forensic Testing Scandal – Is Your Conviction Safe?
New details have emerged about forensic testing deficiencies at two of the country’s leading laboratories. Police are currently investigating the circumstances, and a number of people have been arrested.
The GBH & Wounding Laws Explained
With regards to GBH/Wounding – In legal shorthand we often refer to section 18 or 20 offences, these refer to specific offences under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Harassment Laws – What is Harassment?
Under the Harassment Laws, there are two distinct criminal offences, one of harassment putting people in fear of violence and one without. Here we explain more about the Harassment Laws.
Does Providing Information Reduce A Sentence?
A formal statutory system has now been put in place to regulate reduction in sentence for a defendant who aids the authorities, although the ‘text’ regime is still around.
Obscene Publications Act Explained
Publishing, or having for publication for gain, an obscene article With freedom of speech, publishing an obscene article reminds us that there are lawful limitations within this freedom. But what are the laws that determine an "obscene" article? In this article...
Contempt Of Court
The case of Tommy Robinson, or to give him his real name, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has brought the issue of “contempt of court” into the public eye, but what is it all about?
PRIVATE PROBATION PROVIDERS ARE FAILING OFFENDERS & SOCIETY
A few years ago, the National Probation Service was split into two. The existing service maintained its supervision of high-risk offenders, mainly those serving lengthy sentences or with complex rehabilitation needs, the remaining offenders, by far the vast majority,...
Is being sexist or misogynistic a crime?
In Belgium such behaviour can be considered criminal. A man has been convicted under a new law which does criminalise sexism. After being stopped driving his car he told the female police officer to do a job “adapted to women”. He was fined €3,000 for insulting the officer because of her gender.
New Sentencing For Assaults On Emergency Workers
When it comes to assaulting emergency workers there has, up to now, only been a specific charge for assaulting a police officer. This is a summary only offence which carries a maximum of 6 months imprisonment.
There is however an option to charge an offender with offences such as actual or grievous bodily harm if the injury to the officer is more serious.