Ministry of Injustice and CI5
- by Dom WattsA McKenzie Friend can provide moral support, take notes, help organise case papers, and offer quiet advice on the conduct of the case. They do not have an automatic right to act as an advocate, conduct litigation, or address the court. Right of Audience In criminal proceedings, McKenzie Friends generally […]
- by Dom WattsAnnabel Charlotte Darlow KC, born on the 19th March 1970, is a highly respected figure in the British legal system, known for her exceptional advocacy, strategic brilliance, and extensive expertise in complex criminal and civil cases. As a King’s Counsel (KC) since 2015 and a Recorder of the Crown Court […]
- by Dom WattsHer Honour Judge Rosa Mary Dean is a Senior Circuit Judge and the Resident Judge at Snaresbrook Crown Court in England. HHJ Dean was appointed as a Senior Circuit Judge and Resident Judge at Snaresbrook Crown Court, effective 19th September 2022, by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales […]
- by Dom WattsA serious IT glitch in the HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) system in England and Wales has sparked allegations of a cover-up, raising concerns about the integrity of judicial rulings. The software – known variously as Judicial Case Manager, MyHMCTS or CCD – is used to manage evidence and […]
- by Dom WattsThe Free Speech Union (FSU) is a prominent advocate for freedom of expression in the UK, founded in 2020 by journalist Toby Young. He is a current member of the House of Lords and known as Lord Young of Acton. It aims to protect individuals from censorship or retribution for […]
- by Dom WattsA chief officer of police may, at the request of any individual or entity, provide special police services at specific premises or within any locality in the force’s jurisdiction, subject to charges set by the police authority on a scale determined by that authority. So yes the Police are available […]
- by Dom WattsThe National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) is a UK national unit that supports police forces across the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies, and British Overseas Territories by coordinating the deployment of police officers and staff during large-scale events, operations, and national crises, such as civil emergencies, major protests, or significant public […]
- by Dom WattsBrighton Pride, officially Brighton & Hove Pride, is often cited as the UK’s largest and most popular Pride festival, drawing significant crowds and generating substantial economic impact. Sources indicate it attracts over 300,000 attendees, with some estimates as high as 500,000 over the Pride weekend, contributing around £30.5 million to […]
- by Dom WattsThe judgment by Mr Justice Linden in Smith v Chief Constable of Northumbria Police [2025] EWHC 1805 (Admin) ruled that Northumbria Police breached their duty of impartiality by allowing uniformed officers to actively participate in the Newcastle Pride in the City 2024 event, displaying symbols like the Progress Pride flag. […]
- by Dom WattsA hung jury refers to a situation in a criminal trial where the jury cannot reach a unanimous or majority verdict as required by law, resulting in a failure to deliver a conclusive decision on the defendant’s guilt or innocence. Explanation of a Hung Jury In England and Wales, juries […]
- by Dom WattsIn England and Wales, a judge in a crown court trial can decide on their own or direct a jury to find a defendant not guilty in specific circumstances, primarily when there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction. This is known as a directed acquittal. Legal Basis and Crown […]
- by Dom WattsHis Honour Judge Neil Flewitt KC is a Circuit Judge. He is a senior judge based at Liverpool Crown Court. In July 2025, Judge Flewitt oversaw the trial of two brothers, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammed Amaad, accused of assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport. On Friday 25th July 2025, […]
- by Dom WattsThe Police Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Legitimacy (PEEL) assessment for Sussex Police, conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for 2023-2025, evaluated the force’s performance across various policing functions. The report highlights both strengths and areas for improvement, grading Sussex Police on key areas such […]
- by Dom WattsThe binary phrase “black and white” suggests clarity, simplicity, and unambiguous boundaries. When applied to the law, it implies a system where rules are clear-cut, leaving no room for interpretation or debate. However, the legal system is far from this binary ideal. While the law strives for certainty, its application […]
- by Dom WattsA High Court ruling by Mr Justice Linden KC has determined that Northumbria Police breached their duty of impartiality by allowing uniformed officers to march in a Newcastle Pride parade, displaying symbols like the Progress flag associated with transgender ideology. The case was brought by Linzi Smith, against the Chief […]
- by Dom WattsA contra mundum (against everyone in the world) privacy injunction was granted to the Ministry of Defence on 1st September 2023 at the High Court by THE HON MR JUSTICE ROBIN KNOWLES CBE, the terms of which prevented the publication of the following (a) the fact of the release by […]
- by Dom WattsThe implied right of access refers to a presumed permission for individuals or entities to enter private property for specific purposes, even without formal consent. Implied rights of access is not explicitly granted but arises from necessity, custom, or legal provisions. It is distinct from explicit rights, such as those […]
- by Dom WattsIn England and Wales, the legal system demands integrity and truth from all legal professionals involved in court proceedings. Solicitors and barristers are bound by strict professional rules and legal obligations that prohibit misleading the court, whether deliberately or recklessly. Such conduct is a serious breach, potentially leading to professional […]
- by Dom WattsForensic science is a cornerstone of modern criminal justice, providing critical evidence that can make or break a case. However, the reliability and accuracy of forensic evidence are paramount to ensuring justice is served. In the United Kingdom, the Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the […]
- by Dom WattsThe Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) stands as a vital institution within the criminal justice system, dedicated to investigating potential miscarriages of justice. Established in 1997 under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, the CCRC was created in response to high-profile cases, such as the Birmingham Six and Guildford Four, which […]