News
Search warrants; reform to prevent unlawful searches
The Law Commission has recommended reforms that it says will reduce the number of unlawful search warrants being issued, and to assist in the collection of evidence and investigation of crime. Currently, a police officer or other investigator applies to a magistrate or a judge for a search warrant. If granted, a warrant grants legal authority to enter premises and search for specified...Read More
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A Smarter Approach to Sentencing?
This is the name of the paper presented to Parliament that proposes changes to the sentencing and release frameworks in the criminal justice system. The paper sets out the “problems” they have identified in the system. They are automatic release, improving confidence and addressing the causes of offending. Automatic release – the blanket use of automatic release was said to...Read More
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Disclosure of your criminal record
The government has recently approved a proposal to reform the rules surrounding the disclosure of an individual’s criminal record. A review of the sentencing system found that a critical element in reducing offending was having access to employment. Having unspent convictions can be a barrier to gaining employment, so the proposal is to change the law to reduce the number of people...Read More
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Hate crime – a change of emphasis
The Law Commission is considering proposals to reform hate crime laws. Hate crime is where a victim is targeted, perhaps for an assault, criminal damage or harassment, based on a protected characteristic. What are protected characteristics? Currently, the protected characteristics are race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and transgender identity. Why are reforms needed? The...Read More
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Covid, Self-Isolating and Employer Duties
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect on 28 September 2020. The regulations set out the obligations on an employer and their employees when an employee is required to be self-isolating. The regulations: prohibits an employer from allowing a worker to attend any place (except the place where they are required to...Read More
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