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79 news articles

How to: the cross examination of vulnerable witnesses (part 1)

Published:
This article is the first in a series which aims to explore some common themes in the cross examination of vulnerable witnesses by providing tips and illustrative examples.

Is ‘posting annoying tweets’ a criminal offence? The impact of R v Scottow

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The recent High Court decision stressed that the Article 10 right to freedom of speech includes the right to cause offence.

Is ‘advance consent to sexual activity’ a defence?

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Can consent to sexual activity be given in advance? Will “advance consent” be a defence for sexual activity with a person who is asleep or unconscious?

Mental incapacity and consent to sexual activity: a case study

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Sexual offences against a person with a mental disorder: at what point will a “mental disorder” mean a person lacks capacity to consent to sexual activity? Where do we draw the line? And how will incapacity be proved?

The Sentencing Code 2020

Published:
The Sentencing Act 2020 or ‘the Sentencing Code’, as it is often referred to, came into force on 1 December 2020 and applies to all those convicted on or after this date.

Legal advice regarding Coronavirus offences

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The current Coronavirus pandemic has presented all of us with unprecedented challenges, especially whilst under lockdown.

Impact of the Coronavirus on the criminal justice system

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The COVID19 pandemic has meant that every aspect of society, including the Criminal Justice System, has had to adapt to the many new challenges that we face.

Autism and vulnerable client specialist advocacy

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The PDS has advocates who specialise in supporting clients with Autism. Find out how we can help.

The importance of receiving good legal advice in the police station

Published:
Getting the right advice at the right time is critical when you are being interviewed at the police station.