Weekly Round Up 06.07.12
CBA News:
Chairman’s Update:
My speech to the World Bar Conference last Sunday concerned QASA. Please read it HERE. The BSB are releasing a consultation paper next week, we are told. The consultation will run for 12 weeks. Our response will be of great importance in setting out what the CBA has always required for an effective scheme.
As you know, the CBA has engaged further external support to develop our strategy and message. Please see the request for information from Louise Shorter HERE. Following the deluge of helpful information you provided when completing our Survey, we need targeted case-based information, in the areas Louise highlights. Please take the time to think about this and provide information. Confidentiality and anonymity can always be respected on request.
The Olympics are imminent. Read the final Protocol for cases generated by the Games HERE.
The South Eastern Circuit Dinner takes place next week on 13th July. Tickets may still be available. HERE is how to apply. For the first time in many years, I will not be there, however that is because I am the guest of the Western Circuit at Grand Night in Winchester. Given that the Western and Midland Circuits are now first in the firing line for QASA next year, I am pleased to be with them next Friday.
In exceptionally difficult times, it is heartening to see the enthusiasm and energy shown by law students at the National Student Advocacy Competition finals, of which I was one of the judges at Hatfield University last Saturday. Congratulations to all who took part.
Finally this week, please read the Daily Telegraph at page 15 today. Our member Tana Adkin has confirmed to me that she was instructed to take over the sentencing process for a client in Bristol, in a serious sexual case. The LSC authorised £120 plus VAT. Nothing for preparation. Nothing for travel. The case had to be adjourned. We should be grateful to the learned judge for being so forthright and supportive, in the interests of justice. Tana hasn’t been paid by the LSC in respect of other, completed work since February.
Are people finally getting the message? Government intransigence over sensible and necessary payment for a professional service is delaying justice. Thank you Tana for coming forward.
Have a good weekend.
Ballot for Vice Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association:
The ballot is now open.
Our candidate’s manifestos are available to read HERE, please note that our 3rd candidate’s manifesto will follow in due course. To vote you will need to log into the ‘My CBA’ section of the site. If you are unable to log in it would suggest that we have still not received your Direct Debit Mandate, thus a new log in has not been generated for you. To correct this, please use our Paper Ballot HERE and send back along with the Direct Debit Instruction to avoid this in the next election later this year.
Please vote or return your ballot paper By 4.00 p.m, Friday 20 July 2012
Health Support and Advice for the Bar – Law Care:
LawCare provides an independent and confidential service which assists members of the Law Societies of England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and the Isle of Man; the Institute of Legal Executives; the Bar Councils of England and Wales, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland; the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland; the Department of Justice; the Institute of Barristers Clerks; and the National Association of Paralegals. This is a confidential advisory service to help lawyers, their immediate families and their support staff to deal with the health issues and related emotional difficulties that can result from a stressful career as a lawyer, or working with lawyers. LawCare is there to support and assist you, too.
LawCare offers you the opportunity to discuss problems that are interfering with, or have the potential to interfere with, your work performance and / or your family life and to seek to help in resolving these problems.
Through LawCare, help is available to those who are suffering from stress and/or depression, or who have alcohol, drug or other dependency concerns, or eating disorders.
There is a helpline which is open 365 days a year:-
9am – 7.30pm, Monday to Friday
10am – 4pm Saturday, Sunday and UK Bank Holidays
0800 018 4299
Further details can be found on the website here
Follow the chairman on twitter:
CBA Events:
The Autumn program will be announced shortly!
The Kalisher Essay Competition 2012
The Criminal Bar Association Of England & Wales & The Kalisher Scholarship Trust Present:
The Kalisher Essay Competition 2012
1st Prize – £5,000 2nd Prize – £2,000
“Is there an imbalance in the extradition arrangements between the UK and US? If so, how might the rights of UK citizens be better protected?”
Entry Conditions
- Maximum word length is 2,000 words on above topic (exc. reasonable footnotes)
- Prize is open to all pupils in criminal sets in England and Wales
- Pupils must be sponsored by their chambers to enter at a cost of £100 per pupil with no limit on entries.
- Cheques to be made out to the Kalisher Scholarship
- Chambers must indicate an intention to compete for the prize and provide sponsorship by Friday 29th July
- Essays (showing an alias) must be sent electronically to the Secretary by 1600 Friday 6thAugust
- Prizes will be awarded by this year’s speaker at the Kalisher Lecture in October
All enquiries regarding entry to be made to:
Max Hardy
Secretary to the Kalisher Scholarship
Email: [email protected]
Other News:
Criminal Law Week – updates (issue 26)
Key updates from this week’s issue of Criminal Law Week:
Photographs – lawfulness of the policy on retention of photographs by the police pursuant to the Code of Practice on the Management of Police Information: R. (R.M.C. and F.J.) v. Commissioner of Police and Secretary of State for the Home Department, D.C. (CLW/12/26/3).
European arrest warrants – compatibility of the U.K. system of means testing the provision of legal advice with the Extradition Act 2003 and the European Framework Decision: Stopyra v. District Court of Lublin, D.C. (CLW/12/26/11).
Surcharges – new order regulating the payment of surcharges by offenders under the Criminal Justice Act 2003: S.I. 2012 No. 1696 (CLW/12/26/21).
Time limits – procedure for challenging a prosecutor’s certificate as to when evidence came to his knowledge: Lamont-Perkins v. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, D.C. (CLW/12/26/6).
Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 – new commencement order brings provisions relating to post-charge questioning and recording of interviews into force on July 10, 2012: S.I. 2012 No. 1724 (CLW/12/26/15).
International News & Events
For the latest upcoming international Events and opportunities click here
Other Events:
Free training course on identifying victims
1 Grays Inn Square Chambers are offering a free training course on identifying victims. Aimed at those working with criminal clients, to assist in the identifying of clients who may be victims of human trafficking, and who possibly have a defence/strong mitigation to any criminal charge.
5th July 2012, London (venue to be confirmed) 6-8. 12th July 2012, Canterbury Christchurch University, Broadstairs Campus 3.30-5.30 (2 CPD applied for).
RSVP: [email protected] or [email protected] See www.alisongurden.wordpress for further information.
The South Eastern Circuit Annual Dinner
Friday 13 July at 7pm, in Middle Temple Hall
For further information and to download the booking form, please click here.
The Slynn Foundation are delighted that The RT Hon the Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers KG, who will retire as President of the UK Supreme Court in September, has agreed to deliver the 10th Slynn Foundation Lecture on Monday 12 November 2012. More details will follow but please note the date.
View more news