Equality law in the United Kingdom is a creature of statute. That is the orthodox position. Yet in recent years an increasing proportion of what practitioners treat as “equality law” has been shaped not through Acts of Parliament or binding judicial precedent, but through a growing body of soft law: guidance, codes, policy circulars, consultations, statutory FAQs and regulatory statements.  By Oscar Davies, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers These materials sit formally outside the hierarchy of legal sources, but in practical...

Sir Brian Leveson has published Part 2 of his independent review of the criminal courts. Key recommendations in the report echo those that the Bar Council put forward in our submission to the review, including improving listing practices and case management, making better use of technology and remote hearings, ensuring defendants are delivered to court on time and addressing funding in the justice system.  Commenting, Bar Council Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC said: “The Bar Council welcomes Sir Brian Leveson’s recommendations to address the deep and sustained failures within the criminal justice system, brought about by a slash and burn approach to its funding needs. It is logical that these are implemented...

The UK government’s recent policy direction prioritises immigration controls,...

Immigration is one of the most hotly debated topics...

Like many criminal barristers, I entered the profession with...

  Author: Baldip Singh, Barrister No5 Barristers’ Chambers My trial settled...