The Law Business: 25th to 31st March

Welcome to the year's 12th edition of the weekly 'Law Business' column brought to you by the SundayLawReview team. As this was the week of Good Friday hence our Law Firm specific news section only contains activity until Thursday 28th March. 

 

This was the week when scientists warned that it was ludicrously easy to locate anyone with just a few pieces of location information. Strictly speaking, the 'anyone' only applies to mobile phone users but since there are probably as many phones as people in the UK and most parts of the developed world, the privacy implications are enormous.

 

The aftermath of the Leveson Report still lingers into something resembling a thick dark mist. I suspect that it would not be leaving the legal media any time shortly. The Editor of The Independent, Chris Blackhurst seems to have concluded that while press controls are flawed, there is no alternative to such controls. Another senior journalist, Patrick Coburn, a specialist in international affairs lamented over the possibility of harsher press rules in the UK playing into the hands of the rich and powerful. 

 

The Abu Qatada affair is now officially a festering mold. British courts have ruled against sending Abu Qatada to Jordan, but now he might be charged for allegedly breaching bail conditions. 

 

One of the most important legislative actions of the week was a change to the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) disclosure that used to allow employers to run detailed checks on potential or existing employees. The change would mean that thousands of professionals such as doctors or teachers would not have to disclose minor criminal convictions or cautions. 

 

No Easter would be complete without the mention of chocolates. Steven Greenwood, a former corporate finance solicitor who had worked in the Newcastle based Muckle LLP, has finally ditched law to become a master chocolatier. We wish him all the best and look forward to tasting the fine creations. Another warm farewell is reserved for the legendary advocate Sir Sydney Kentridge QC, who finally decided to hang up the wig at 90.

 

The purpose of this column is to take a serious look at what happened in the business of law within UK as reported by online legal publications throughout last week. 


The most interesting articles on developments, compliance, business of law within UK or as well as international developments of interest to UK law firms and legal practioners: 
 

Articles of the week:

The UK and international articles of the week are pieces selected by @TheLawMap tweeting team based on recommendations from friends and followers of LawNewsIndex.com daily law news blog. 

 

  • Multilingual justice: Laws in translation at the International Criminal Tribunal | Johnson Blog - The Economist 
  • How far could compassion take you? Is there a case for compassion within the Criminal Justice system? An interview with writer & Theologian Dr Trystan Owain Hughes | Law Specials Blog - TheLawMap
  • Rape myths not behind low conviction rate, says leading family lawyer | Owen Bowcott - The Guardian 
  • Why the Fights for Racial Justice and LGBT Equality Are Inseparable | Leslie Watson Malachi - Huff Post 
  • Want to stop sexual violence in war? Confront everyday inequality | Geoffrey Dennis - The Guardian 
  • Making Non-Legalities in International Law | Fleur E. Johns, University of Sydney - Social Science Research Network 

News from the Law Firms & Chambers: 

Thursday 28th March
Wednesday 27th March
Tuesday 26th March
Monday 25th March

We would like to thank all the publications cited in this week's column. Please notify via @TheLawMap Twitter handle of any errors or omissions.

 

TheLawMap Publications at a glance: 
LawNewsIndex.com - Daily Law News Archive
SundayLawReview.com - Weekly Law Business News Blog
Law Specials - A compendium of articles on Justice & Society
Wig - Daily Newspaper Focusing on Law & Society
MetaLawIndex - Informal Blog chronicling behind the scene events at LawNewsIndex & Twitter

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