Public Law

Articles

Update: local government

Christopher Baker reviews a series of decisions on the liability of local councils

An explosive decision

Small shops that fail to comply with health and safety regulations concerning the storage of fireworks must prepare themselves for a 'hefty' fine, says Jonathan Austin-Jones

Kent: clouds gather over the 'Garden of England'

Kent has traditionally been regarded as more recession-proof than other parts of Britain, so if lawyers in the 'Garden of England' catch cold, colleagues in other regions should prepare for a long time in casualty, says Jean-Yves Gilg

No room at the inn

The Housing Act 1996 was meant to provide a safety net for the homeless but some local authorities are avoiding their responsibilities, say Jim Shepherd and Nik Antoniades

Update: planning and environmental law

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

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.

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.