Police & Prisons

Articles

Update: welfare and benefits

Gareth Mitchell considers the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, age assessments, charging for homecare services, care planning for children, defective benefit claims and the latest developments in possession proceedings

Police to decide on 'virtual court' hearings

It will be up to the police to decide whether a defendant's case will proceed immediately after his arrest in front of magistrates via a video-link under new plans unveiled by the government today.

Christian registrar loses battle not to perform civil partnerships

Lillian Ladele, a Christian registrar who refused to perform civil partnership ceremonies, has lost her battle with Islington Council at the Court of Appeal.

Government launches review of out-of-court disposals

The government is to review the use of out-of-court disposals such as cautions and on-the-spot fines following disquiet over reports that they were being used in cases were offenders should be formally charged.

Beresford loses High Court appeal

Jim Beresford and Douglas Smith, former partners at Doncaster-based Beresfords, have lost their High Court appeal against the Law Society and the SRA.

Judge can decide who is a "child", Supreme Court rules

The question of whether an applicant is a child for the purposes of accommodation and other services provided by local authorities is ultimately one that can be determined by the courts, the Supreme Court has ruled.

Breaking up the gang

New powers conferred on the police, local authorities and the courts give them too much of a free rein and are overly prohibitive on respondents, says Jeannie Mackie

A charitable model

Stephen Roberts sheds light on the Charity Commission's model articles of association for charitable companies