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- by Dom WattsIn the criminal justice system of England and Wales, the jury is one of the oldest and most distinctive features of the common law tradition. Twelve ordinary people, randomly selected, sit in judgment of their peers and decide whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty. This system places enormous […]
- by Dom WattsThe Deputy Head of Civil Justice is a senior judicial leadership post responsible for the strategic direction, reform and day-to-day administration of civil justice in England and Wales. The role works closely with the Head of Civil Justice (currently Sir Geoffrey Vos, who holds that position ex officio as Master […]
- by Dom WattsOn the 1st October 2025, the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary published an updated version of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance for Judicial Office Holders. This document refreshes the initial guidance that was issued in April 2025 and is available on the official judiciary website Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Judicial Guidance […]
- by Dom WattsThe Chancellor of the High Court is head of the Chancery Division and is the judge with day to day responsibility for the Business and Property Courts. The Chancellor of the High Court is based in the Rolls Building in the City of London along with seven centres in major […]
- by Dom WattsLetters patent are a legal document authorised by the king, usually on ministerial advice. Letters patent can make public appointments, confer honours, grant city status or signify Royal Assent to legislation. On the 3rd November 2025, King Charles III issued a Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, […]
- by Dom WattsThe United Kingdom has long been hailed as a cornerstone of democratic values but recent trends in policing suggest a troubling erosion of free speech. This concern is explored in a Spiked Online 43-minute documentary, Think Before You Post which was released on the 27th October 2025. The film investigates […]
- by Dom WattsA coroner is an independent judicial officer responsible for investigating sudden, violent or unexplained deaths. Governed by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 overseen by the Chief Coroner, their work meticulously establishes who died, how, when, and where, without assigning blame. This preventive role aids in avoiding future incidents and […]
- by Dom WattsThe Government Legal Profession (GLP) is the collective network of qualified lawyers embedded across UK government departments and agencies, providing expert legal advice, litigation support, policy guidance, and compliance services to ensure the government operates within the rule of law. As of 2025, the GLP operates under the Civil Service […]
- by Dom WattsThe Serious Fraud Office (SFO) serves as a vital independent government department in the United Kingdom, tasked with investigating and prosecuting instances of serious fraud, bribery, and corruption. The SFO is overseen by the Attorney General. As a dedicated watchdog, it protects public confidence in financial systems and maintains the […]
- by Dom WattsHM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) is an independent statutory body established by the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Act 1999, becoming fully operational in April 2000. HMCPSI holds a statutory duty to inspect the operations of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which is responsible for over 500,000 prosecutions annually in […]
- by Dom WattsThe Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) is a non-ministerial department within the Cabinet Office and employs specialist government lawyers who draft all government bills presented to Parliament. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel converts departmental policy instructions into legislative text that is clear, workable, and designed for enduring use. […]
- by Dom WattsSam Goozée is a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) of England and Wales who was appointed on the 23rd March 2016. District Judge Goozee serves as the Resident District Judge for Berkshire Magistrates’ Courts and the leadership judge for the south east region. District Judge Sam Goozee was the judge presiding […]
- by Dom WattsFreedom of speech is a fundamental human right that allows individuals and communities to express their opinions, ideas, and information without fear of retaliation, censorship, or punishment particularly from government authorities. In England and Wales, this right is enshrined in law but operates within a framework of balances and restrictions. […]
- by Dom WattsNational Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) 2025 starts on the 11th October 2025. This week-long campaign, organised by the 17-24-30 charity, calls on communities, organisations and individuals to confront the scourge of hate crime head-on. Founded by Mark Healey and Ryan Perkins in 2009 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of […]
- by Dom WattsThe legal system of England and Wales is a fascinating blend of modern rigor and historical eccentricity. While contemporary laws tackle issues like cybercrime and environmental issues, a collection of peculiar statutes, which are still legally binding, hark back to times of royal prerogatives, Victorian decorum and other oddities. Handling […]
- by Dom WattsMagistrates (justice of the peace or JP) are essential to the UK’s justice system and preside over cases in magistrates’ courts. Magistrates hear less serious criminal cases (summary offence and some either-way offences) like minor assaults, motoring offenses, theft, and minor criminal damage but they can also hear civil cases […]
- by Dom WattsHaving read the disciplinary statement from the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office in relation to Ms Nicola Baldwin JP JCIO 44/25 dated 3rd October 2025, the statement includes :- “The Social Media Guidance 2024 advises judicial office holders not to use their official title or disclose their judicial role on any […]
- by Dom WattsPublic Interest Immunity (PII) enable UK police forces to withhold sensitive information from disclosure in legal proceedings when its release would harm the public interest. Rooted in common law and refined by cases like Conway v Rimmer (1968), Public Interest Immunity balances the need for fair trials with the protection […]
- by Dom WattsThe Criminal Justice Secure eMail (CJSM) is a secure group email service available to any justice organisation or practitioner that needs to send or receive sensitive information. A typical CJSM secure email address might have the format [email protected]. CJSM has been in operation for over 20 years and enables information up […]
- by Dom WattsA Defendant’s Costs Order (DCO) under Section 16 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, is a court order that enables a defendant who is found not guilty (or whose case is dismissed) to reclaim reasonable expenses they incurred while defending themselves in court. These costs can include legal fees, […]
- by Dom WattsIn England and Wales, barristers are regulated professionals bound by strict ethical standards outlined in version 4.8 of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) Handbook. Lying on a CV by a barrister risks serious professional and criminal consequences, but whether such misconduct warrants disbarment depends on the nature, intent and impact […]
- by Dom WattsThe United Kingdom’s legal system is a rich and intricate framework that governs society through a variety of legal branches. These branches, each with distinct purposes and applications, reflect the UK’s unique blend of common law traditions, statutory provisions, and historical practices. Understanding these branches is essential for grasping how […]
- by Dom WattsAdam Wallace Hiddleston, known as His Honour Judge Hiddleston was born on the 1st April 1965. HHJ Hiddleston is currently a Circuit Judge in the London Circuit. He was previously a judge in the First-Tier Tribunal’s Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (Mental Health). Early Life and Education HHJ Hiddleston […]
- by Dom WattsBritain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) unveiled on the 19th September 2025 a dark web portal designed to lure potential informants from hostile regimes. MI6 reveals ‘Silent Courier’ dark web portal upgrade it hopes will help it recruit new spies Dubbed “Silent Courier” the platform aims to provide a secure channel […]
- by Dom WattsThe Youth Justice Board (YJB) for England and Wales is dedicated to overseeing and improving youth justice services. We are an organisation of around 100 people and our headquarters is in London. Our vision is for a youth justice system that sees children as children, treats them fairly and helps […]
- by Dom WattsIn the legal system of England and Wales, a wasted costs order is a mechanism used by courts to address improper, unreasonable, or negligent conduct by legal representatives that results in unnecessary costs in criminal, civil or family proceedings. This article explains what a wasted costs order is, how it […]
- by Dom WattsAcross the United Kingdom, police forces strive to maintain public trust by upholding high standards of professionalism and integrity. A key mechanism for achieving this is the misconduct hearing process designed to address allegations of misconduct or gross misconduct by police officers and staff. These hearings, detailed on police websites […]
- by Dom WattsAn Independent Review of Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination at the Bar was published on the on the 8th September 2025 by Baroness Harriet Harman KC . The review had been commissioned by the Bar Council in June 2024. The review addresses the prevalence, causes, and impact of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment […]
- by Dom WattsSir Robert Maurice Jay, styled The Hon. Mr Justice Jay, is a prominent figure in the English judiciary, known for his intellectual rigor, sharp legal mind, and a career marked by both acclaim and controversy. Born on the 20th September 1959, Mr Justice Jay has served as a High Court […]
- by Dom WattsDavid Lammy was appointed Secretary of State for Justice, Lord Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister on the 5th September 2025. He was previously Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs between 5 July 2024 and 5 September 2025. David was first elected as Labour MP for Tottenham at […]
- by Dom WattsIn the United Kingdom, judicial titles such as “His Honour,” “Her Honour,” or “Lord/Lady Justice” carry significant prestige, reflecting the authority and responsibility of judges during their tenure. But what happens to these titles after retirement? Do retired judges, from circuit judges to High Court judges and beyond retain their […]
- by Dom WattsDomain squatting, commonly referred to as cybersquatting, is the act of registering, trafficking or using an internet domain name with the intent to profit from the goodwill associated with a trademark, brand, or name belonging to another entity. In the UK, where businesses, organisations, government departments and individuals increasingly depend […]
- by Dom WattsThe case of R v Sutherland & Others [2002] EW Misc 1 (EWCC) stands as a seminal case that highlights the critical importance of transparency in criminal investigations and the protection of defendants’ rights to a fair trial under Article 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998. This high-profile murder […]
- by Dom WattsIn criminal law an abuse of process occurs when the criminal justice system is misused in a way that undermines fairness, justice or the integrity of legal proceedings. It involves actions that exploit the judicial process for improper purposes, such as harassing a defendant, causing unjust delays, or pursuing a […]
- 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 WattsThe latest cases in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal are available on the Sky News Courts YouTube channel. These videos are an opportunity to see justice in action. Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 (CJA 1925) makes it an offence to take any photograph, make or […]
- 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 […]
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Read the reviews of Junior Sussex Barristers Gavin Howe and Eleanor Battie
“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!”
“She is a one-woman legal A Team”