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10 November 2017 / Stephen Gold
Issue: 7769 / Categories: Features , Civil way
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Civil way: 10 November 2017

Webchat with HMCTS. Look, no PD! Another lessee bonus. Killing off the relatives.

 

LITIGANT CHAT UP LINES

‘Thanks for explaining. I now know I can participate in the hearing from a telephone kiosk with my pet rhinoceros accompanying me.’

‘So long as you have a licence, John. Now can we help you with anything else today—an online divorce, probate application, lasting power of attorney, bankruptcy application, complaint perhaps?’

‘Not today.’

‘Then would you like to participate in a short survey which will take no longer than 10 minutes and will qualify you for a free draw for a night out with the chief of HMCTS and a bottle of Prosecco?’

HMCTS has announced that for those comfortable using online services who might have a question about process, they will be providing webchat. This will connect the user with an officer (I mean a team member) via a window on the computer screen where they can message each other. The necessary technology is in place and they are working on how

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

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HFW—Simon Petch

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Freeths—Richard Lockhart

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Infrastructure specialist joins as partner in Glasgow office

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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