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Update: commercial contracts

Mark Lucas considers recent cases illustrating the risk of personal liability for directors and managers

Update:corporation tax

Paul Christian reviews the definition of non-residence for tax purposes, entrepreneurs' relief, changes to SDLT on residential property, the construction industry scheme and retrospective legislation

Alive and well

Now in the news we have the contro-versial trial of two boys for attempted rape. Much has been made of the wisdom of prosecuting children so young for such a serious offence. Many say that in some circumstances it is not possible to draw a clear line between horseplay – 'doctors and nurses' in this case – and criminal activity. Such then are the criticisms that the law should not be involved and this could all be sorted out by a stern 'fireside chat' and a strict warning to keep their little hands to themselves. But, as usual, everybody commenting does not know the facts. Highly experienced prosecuting counsel, and a very senior and experienced CPS team, no doubt thought long and hard before bringing the case and – let us not forget – securing convictions.

Djanogly confirms criminal legal aid cuts

Jonathan Djanogly, the new legal aid and civil justice minister, has confirmed that the previous government's drastic cuts to criminal legal aid will go ahead.

Badger Trust wins appeal over Welsh cull

The Badger Trust has been granted leave to appeal against a High Court decision which cleared the way for a cull in west Wales.

Cohabitation appeal ruling prompts new calls for law review

Judges hearing cohabitation claims over a former couple's home should only depart from the principle of equal interests where there is a clear indication of joint shared intentions to the contrary, the Court of Appeal has held in a 2-1 majority ruling.

Care home campaigner loses Strasbourg appeal

Yvonne Hossack, the solicitor campaigning for the rights of the elderly, has lost a key appeal at the European Court of Human Rights in her battle against the closure of care homes.

Summer in Yale

Elizabeth Watts, trainee solicitor at Hempsons, is taking time out of her traineeship to spend two months over the summer at the Yale Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioethics. She will be writing fortnightly posts on her experiences for Solicitors Journal