• In Focus

    Sentencing for emergency service deaths: Calls for change

    The sentencing of offenders whose crimes lead to the death of an emergency service worker can vary depending upon the conviction received. The Harper’s Law campaign has called for life sentences to be imposed in instances where an emergency service worker is killed as a direct result of a crime. This article discusses life sentences, minimum terms, and recent calls for change to sentencing in England and Wales. This is due to be the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 1 October 2020.

  • In Focus

    Short prison sentences: Calls for change

    The use and effectiveness of short prison sentences of under 12 months has been debated in recent years. This article discusses calls for reform of short prison sentences, in addition to the Government’s commitments in this area. Short prison sentences are due to be the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 29 June 2020.

  • Research Briefing

    Sentencing Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages

    This Law Commission bill seeks to consolidate existing sentencing legislation into a single sentencing statute. The Sentencing Bill is a consolidation bill that will introduce the sentencing code. The aim of the code is to provide a clear and comprehensive source of sentencing procedure legislation for the public, the judiciary and practitioners.

  • In Focus

    Abortion law in Northern Ireland

    The law on abortion in Northern Ireland changed on 22 October 2019 following the enactment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019. The Act required the UK Government to introduce regulations that would provide lawful access to abortion services and repeal certain offences relating to abortion in Northern Ireland. This article discusses the Government’s statutory instrument that would introduce such regulations.

  • In Focus

    Direct payments to farmers: Derogation from crop diversification requirements for 2020

    Farm businesses receive direct payments based on the amount of agricultural land that they maintain. Farmers receive payments if they meet certain requirements, including crop diversification requirements. This articles discusses what direct payments are, in addition to the Government’s statutory instrument that would set aside the requirements to qualify for direct payments for 2020.

  • In Focus

    Why are human rights an issue for a UK-EU deal?

    The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) provides a list of rights that signatory member states have committed to respect. Only member states of the Council of Europe are permitted sign up to the ECHR. There are currently 47 member states signed up, including the UK. The Human Rights Act 1998 enables UK nationals to rely on ECHR rights before UK courts. This article discusses what the ECHR is and the future relationship between the UK and the ECHR following the UK’s departure from the European Union.

  • Research Briefing

    Disclosure of Evidence in Criminal Proceedings

    This House of Lords Library Briefing provides a chronology of recent discussions on the disclosure of evidence in criminal proceedings. It includes an overview of disclosure procedures, notable high profile cases, and recent developments in disclosure practices across the criminal justice system.

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