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Anti-file sharer firm denies "oppressive" tactics

A law firm that had targeted file sharers claiming they had unlawfully downloaded copyright-protected material has denied reports that its letters were "oppressive".

Straw forced to scrap libel conditional fee cut

Justice secretary Jack Straw's plan to cut the maximum success fees charged by libel lawyers in conditional fee cases from 100 to ten per cent of damages has been dropped by the government.

Lord Justice Wall in outspoken attack on social workers

Lord Justice Wall, who will replace Sir Mark Potter today as president of the Family Division, has launched an outspoken attack on social workers in care proceedings. Greenwich Council has promised to carry out an independent review of the case.

Axe falls on criminal legal aid advocates

A funding order cutting the fees of criminal legal aid advocates was approved by both houses of Parliament as part of last week's legislative 'wash-up'.

Update: planning

Jim Ryan and Craig Whelton review the new Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations, the Conservatives' proposals for the planning system, the Infrastructure Planning Commission, acting promptly in judicial review claims, the new PPS5 and an important sewerage connection case

Bridging the gap

Further harmonisation of the laws across different jurisdictions is needed to keep up with an increasingly globalised and mobile population, says Grant Howell

Hidden threats

The recent decision that costs do not necessarily follow the event in cash forfeiture cases could operate like a Trojan horse against defendants in such cases, say Andrew Mitchell QC and Penelope Small

Follow the instructions

The ruling that solicitors can stop acting for clients whose instructions are unrealistic should reassure practitioners concerned about unreasonable requests, says Mike Willis