In Focus
Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
This article considers the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which would increase the maximum sentence available in the worst cases of animal cruelty to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
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In Focus
Facial recognition technology: police powers and the protection of privacy
Facial recognition technology is used to identify individuals or to verify someone’s identity. Live facial recognition has been used by several police forces in England and Wales in collaboration with the private sector. There have been calls for increased scrutiny and oversight of the powers of the police to use the technology, including in the House of Lords. This article summarises the debates about the use of this technology.
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In Focus
Forensic Science Regulator Bill
The Forensic Science Regulator Bill would put the existing forensic science regulator post on a statutory basis. The bill would also give the regulator powers to enforce a statutory code of practice for forensic science activities relating to the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The bill has completed its stages in the House of Commons and is due to have its second reading in the Lords on 19 March 2021.
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In Focus
Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2020
The House of Lords is due to consider the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 on 8 February 2021. The regulations, which came into force on 1 January 2021, are a consequence of a change in policy and drafting approach to sanctions licences issued by British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. This article examines what the regulations do and why they have been made.
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In Focus
Bribery Act 2010: Post-Legislative Scrutiny
In 2018, the House of Lords Select Committee on the Bribery Act 2010 conducted post-legislative scrutiny of the legislation. This included examining whether it had led to stricter prosecution of corrupt conduct. In March 2019, the Committee published its report. This article summarises the report and the Government’s response.
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In Focus
Could the UK’s new immigration system increase human trafficking and human smuggling?
Since 1 January 2021, the UK has been operating a new points-based immigration system. Critics suggest that human trafficking and human smuggling could increase under this system. This article explores two of these concerns.
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In Focus
New legal definition of ‘antique firearm’
The use of antique firearms in criminal activity has risen in recent years. Antique firearms which are kept as ornaments or curiosities are currently exempt from several provisions within firearms legislation. At present, there is no statutory definition of ‘antique firearm’. This article discusses new regulations that seek to introduce a legal definition.
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Research Briefing
Domestic Abuse Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages
This government bill seeks to increase awareness of domestic abuse, strengthen support for victims and improve the effectiveness of the justice system. The bill includes provisions on several areas. It includes a new definition of domestic abuse, extra protection for victims and witnesses in court, and codifies the principle that consent to offences involving violent or abusive behaviour is not a defence.
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Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: Home Affairs (December 2020)
Catch up on home affairs articles you may have missed from November 2020. This month we take a look at the Government's proposed points-based immigration system, and the mental effects of long prison sentences.
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In Focus
Law Enforcement and Security (Separation Issues etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
The Law Enforcement and Security (Separation Issues etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 allow for the implementation of the separation provisions in the UK-EU withdrawal agreement relating to law enforcement and security cooperation.
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In Focus
Sanctions (EU Exit) (Consequential Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
Since the passage of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, the Government has been preparing for the UK to implement sanctions once it is no longer covered by the EU’s legal framework. The draft Sanctions (EU Exit) (Consequential Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 would amend existing sanctions regulations made under the 2018 act to ensure that references in other pieces of primary and secondary legislation are up to date.
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In Focus
Domestic abuse in the UK: Government support
During the Covid-19 pandemic, domestic abuse charities have reported a sharp increase in demand for their services. In response, the Government has provided additional funding to local authorities and domestic violence groups, and is seeking to enact further measures through the Domestic Abuse Bill shortly to come before the House of Lords.
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In Focus
The Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (Code of Practice) Order 2020
This instrument seeks to introduce a revised code of practice that prescribes how police officers should disclose material to the prosecution during the course of a criminal investigation. It is due to be debated in the House of Lords on 22 October 2020.
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In Focus
Prosecution of Offences (Custody Time Limits) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
These regulations temporarily increase the amount of time that a defendant can be held in custody whilst awaiting a crown court trial. The Government said that the purpose of the regulations is to provide reassurance to victims and the public following the recent delays in trial listings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The regulations came into force on 28 September 2020 and will expire on 28 June 2021.
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In Focus
Treason law reform and the Lord Haw-Haw case 75 years on
Seventy-five years ago Nazi propagandist William Joyce (“Lord Haw-Haw”) was convicted for high treason. This article summarises the events leading up to his conviction and execution. It then considers the current law on treason and recent calls for reform.
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