A Lawyer Writes

A Lawyer Writes by Joshua Rozenberg QC (hon) provides legal commentary and analysis on a wide range of topics, including international law, the role of judges, the rule of law, legal challenges facing professionals, government accountability, privacy, human rights conventions, and judiciary reforms. Rozenberg leverages his expertise to offer insights into contemporary legal issues in the UK and beyond.

International Law Judiciary and Lawmaking Rule of Law Legal Professional Challenges Government Accountability Privacy and Ethical Standards in Journalism Human Rights and International Conventions Judiciary Reforms

The hottest Substack posts of A Lawyer Writes

And their main takeaways
1395 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
  1. The Lady Chief Justice clarified the constitutional relationship between the executive and judiciary.
  2. Baroness Carr emphasized the judiciary's exclusive responsibility for judicial deployment and matters.
  3. Carr outlined priorities such as promoting judicial strengths, unity, and addressing backlogs in the judiciary system.
963 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  1. Regulator states no urgent public risk from PO solicitors
  2. Investigation involves scrutinizing evidence from various sources
  3. Actions will be taken against solicitors not meeting ethical standards
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432 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
  1. The Pinochet case in London was a unique and groundbreaking event in English legal history.
  2. The case led to significant changes in the English legal system, pushing it into the modern era.
  3. Despite the legal twists and turns, Pinochet was never extradited to Spain due to health reasons.
727 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
  1. The House of Lords is discussing the government's plans for the Rwanda project today.
  2. The government felt a binding treaty with Rwanda was necessary after a Supreme Court ruling.
  3. A treaty with Rwanda was signed in December, leading to the current situation.
511 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. A review was ordered for the Valdo Calocane case handling by the CPS.
  2. Diminished responsibility as a defense was crucial for the case's outcome.
  3. Improvements needed in communication between the CPS and families of victims.
491 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
  1. Ministry of Justice planned fees for employment claims but faced a defeat in court due to access to justice issues.
  2. The decision to charge claimants fees for bringing claims before employment tribunals was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court.
  3. The government had to repeal the unlawful fees order and make arrangements to refund all fees that had been paid.
353 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
  1. Lady chief justice emphasizes the importance of high-quality reporting for the public's understanding of the judiciary.
  2. Efforts are being made to enhance broadcasting of court proceedings in England and Wales, including televising sentencing remarks.
  3. Transparency in the courts is seen as a fundamental part of the process in allowing proper access to justice.
530 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 24
  1. A bill concerning the safety of Rwanda was passed in the UK by MPs, despite concerns about international law
  2. There were debates about human rights and Strasbourg court injunctions during the bill's passage
  3. The bill includes a provision allowing a UK minister to potentially break international law, creating a complex situation for civil servants
373 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
  1. High Court judge refrained from launching contempt proceedings against the home secretary despite serious errors in handling an entry clearance application.
  2. Home secretary acknowledged major errors made in the case and offered a sincere apology to the applicant and the tribunal.
  3. Decision was made not to initiate contempt proceedings due to acknowledgment of breaches, apology, unintentional nature of breaches, and measures taken to prevent recurrence.
294 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
  1. An employment tribunal recognized that anti-Zionist beliefs are protected in a democratic society.
  2. The tribunal suggested that the professor should have faced disciplinary action instead of being dismissed.
  3. The University of Bristol was disappointed with the tribunal's decision but is committed to fostering a positive working and learning environment.
648 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 24
  1. Police and politicians are calling for actions regarding the Post Office scandal, but major steps are unlikely until a public inquiry is completed.
  2. The justice secretary is exploring ways to exonerate sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted during the Horizon IT scandal.
  3. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is offering help to individuals affected by the faulty convictions, encouraging them to seek justice.
471 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
  1. Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC left a legacy that inspired young lawyers to use law for social change.
  2. Established fellowships at Bard College to support early-career lawyers in pursuing projects abroad.
  3. Fellowships provide $25,000 stipend for projects lasting at least three months outside the applicant's country.
255 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
  1. The International Criminal Court cannot try Putin for the crime of aggression due to certain limitations.
  2. There is a push for the establishment of a strictly international tribunal to address justice for Putin's actions.
  3. Support for a new tribunal to try Putin has been shown by various international bodies, but challenges remain in the process.
294 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. The UK raises concerns about South Africa's actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
  2. The UK supports Israel's right to self-defense and disagrees with labeling their actions in Gaza as genocide.
  3. The International Court of Justice has called for aid into Gaza and preservation of evidence related to allegations of genocide.
255 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. Battle lines drawn over interim measures by the European Court of Human Rights on the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
  2. Different interpretations of Clause 5 of the bill regarding compliance with interim measures by ministers vs officials
  3. Discussion on the need for procedural changes and reforms in using rule 39 measures by the European Court of Human Rights
530 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. The Supreme Court was ruling on cases involving psychiatric injury from clinical negligence involving close relatives
  2. Historically, court rulings have shaped the law on negligence and compensation for secondary victims of medical errors
  3. The recent Supreme Court decision clarified that doctors do not owe a duty of care to close family members for illness caused by witnessing a relative's death due to medical negligence
353 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
  1. Holocaust survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch criticizes planned learning center near Houses of Parliament.
  2. Lasker-Wallfisch doubts effectiveness of museums and memorials in curbing antisemitism.
  3. Government faces criticism for considering underground learning center at public park near Parliament.
511 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
  1. Committee of MPs to assess government plans for Holocaust memorial and learning center in public park near Palace of Westminster
  2. Objectors to the plans include campaigners seeking to maintain the park in its current state and members of the Jewish community concerned about the chosen location
  3. The committee can't consider objections to the principle of the bill, but other concerns may still be raised
255 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. Two teenagers who murdered a 16-year-old will be identified and sentenced today.
  2. The judge may order the teenagers to be detained indefinitely and set a minimum term before release.
  3. Sentencing considerations include the seriousness of the offense and mitigating/aggravating factors.
393 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
  1. The Safety of Rwanda Bill is up for debate in Parliament with possible amendments to be discussed.
  2. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick could propose amendments during the bill's committee stage.
  3. The focus remains on clause 4 of the bill as key issues have not changed.
412 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
  1. South Africa is asking the International Court of Justice to order Israel to halt military operations in Gaza and stop harming Palestinian civilians.
  2. Israel's Prime Minister stated that they are fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and are complying with international law.
  3. The legal action includes detailed interim measures being sought by South Africa, with the court hearing taking place in The Hague.
275 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  1. Fresh attempts are being made to reform the IPP sentences during the committee stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the House of Lords.
  2. An amendment proposed by Lord Moylan, supported by the Bar Council, aims to shift the burden of proof from the prisoner to the state in proving risk to the public.
  3. The proposed amendment by Lord Moylan is considered elegant, legally sound, and a risk-based solution for injustices caused by IPP sentences, according to barristers.
176 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
  1. Mandatory mediation for separating couples has been proposed but will not be compulsory due to concerns of domestic abuse victims.
  2. The government supports mediation as an option for resolving disputes early and avoiding lengthy court conflicts for families.
  3. Transparency in family courts is increasing with some proceedings being open to journalists and legal bloggers through a reporting pilot.
805 implied HN points β€’ 29 Sep 23
  1. Leading commentator argues judges should not develop law
  2. Judges are seen as law makers, not just law declarers
  3. Criticism towards one court's decision-making authority
569 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 23
  1. Today would have been Sir Robin Day's 100th birthday.
  2. Sir Robin Day was a pioneer in using forensic skills for TV current affairs.
  3. Sir Robin Day's impact on broadcasting is lasting and significant.
550 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 23
  1. Home secretary emphasized the need for police to take action against terrorism supporters in the UK
  2. Laws prohibit support, display, or glorification of terrorist organizations like Hamas, with severe penalties including imprisonment
  3. Police have the authority to intervene and prevent activities that may incite disorder or distress in communities
491 implied HN points β€’ 26 Sep 23
  1. Publishing material that could prejudice a trial could be contempt of court
  2. Contempt of court is more likely if writing about a trial in progress
  3. Contempt of court can involve deliberate interference with the administration of justice
687 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 23
  1. The author received a notice about being removed from a database, not being struck off as a solicitor.
  2. The message contained unusual demands, like a fee and restrictions on future restoration.
  3. The situation highlights issues faced by retired professionals in the legal field.