Children

Articles

Just the job

“Don't take this the wrong way but I hope I never see you again.” This is the valedictory that I have received many times from the tearfully grateful and the plain relieved. I don't suppose that architects, doctors, plumbers or roadside mechanics get quite the same expression of thanks. It all rather sums up the absolute nature of what we do: the moment that the jury returns with its verdict and the foreman is asked to “please stand”, the whole room holds its breath. Whether prosecuting or defending, it is an incredibly tense, awful, unbearable moment. I used to be superstitious – writing the 'g' in my notebook and wondering whether I would by some miracle be putting an 'n' in front of it. Now I just close my notebook and pretend that it is not happening. I don't know what the judge feels about a verdict – perhaps the judge really is above it all – but I suspect that where it is possible to have formed a view there is the occasional tingle of nerves.

Over but not out

Edward Heaton explains the rights of adoptive, unmarried and step-parents when a relationship breaks down

Legal aid voices: housing and repossession

Housing advice at the Derby Community Legal Advice Centre should be available within a fortnight but with rising demand the wait is now up four weeks, says Jon Robins

Rough with the smooth

Sandra Millikin reflects on 25 years of running a solicitor's practice

Carolyn Regan: legal aid is the fourth plank of the welfare state

The chief executive of the Legal Services Commission is on the 'most wanted' list of many legal aid lawyers. Nothing personal, they say, but Carolyn Regan just happens to be the person presiding over a range of unpopular reforms to the legal aid system initiated by Lord Falconer when he was Lord Chancellor.

Update: family (children)

Noel Arnold reviews cases on findings of fact, local authorities' involvement in public law proceedings, electronic tagging and interim orders

All the care in the world

Malcolm Johnson considers whether child abuse claims involving foster carers will leave local authorities open to vicarious liability

Report reveals "dissatisfaction and disquiet" with Public Law Outline

A report for the Ministry of Justice found “dissatisfaction and disquiet” with the operation of the Public Law Outline (PLO) together with “serious concerns” relating to the welfare of children at the pre-action stage.