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Update: planning and environmental law

Gregory Jones reviews cases on appeals procedure, strategic environmental assessments and green belt boundaries

Update: tax

Richard Bunker reviews issues raised over the government's 10p tax climbdown, inheritance tax, changes to penalties for return errors and offshore disclosure facilities

Anonymous and transparent

The Past few days we have heard the sound of screeching brakes being applied to the potential juggernaut of the ability to call witnesses anonymously. The House of Lords, in the case of Davis, has thrown out an ice axe to stop the slide down the slippery slope of having trials without letting the defendant know who it is who is giving evidence against them. In all but the uncontroversial set of circumstances, a timely reminder that this is not what our justice system is all about has just been issued.

Law lords "turn the clock back" on test for disability discrimination

Four law lords have been accused of "turning the clock back" on disability discrimination.

Decision to drop appeal in medical negligence case could cost NHS £1.5bn

The NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) has admitted that its decision to drop an appeal to the House of Lords in a crucial medical negligence case could cost the health service more than £1.5bn.

Head lessees can be 'qualifying tenants' regardless of other property

The owners of big property empires, such as the Earl of Cadogan, have been defeated in their bid to block further erosion of their portfolios by head lessees obtaining new leases under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.

Court ruling in oil spill case paves way for extended 'producer pays' principle

The ruling earlier this week that seaside towns affected by the Erika oil spill can claim compensation from the oil company that had chartered the tanker is the latest in a line of judgments placing increasing responsibility on producers as polluters.

Charity begins at the new Tribunal

Alison McKenna, first president of the new Charity Tribunal, talks to Jean-Yves Gilg about her priorities ahead of the new tribunals service roll-out