Public Law

1 Jul 2008

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.

1 Jul 2008

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.

1 Jul 2008

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.