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04 June 2020 / Neil Parpworth
Issue: 7889 / Categories: Features , Covid-19 , Procedure & practice
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COVID-19 & the courts: the show must go on

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Neil Parpworth outlines how access to justice, through the function of the courts, must continue during the coronavirus pandemic
  • The claim: damages in excess of £250m.
  • The rival submissions: would proceeding with trial be inconsistent with the prime minister’s instruction?
  • Judgment: a very clear message from legislature.

With the global coronavirus pandemic having a profound impact on the way in which many of us now work, if we are lucky enough to continue to have a job, and how businesses and services are able to operate, the recent decision in Re One Blackfriars Ltd (in liquidation) Hyde and another (joint liquidators of One Blackfriars Ltd) v Nygate (in his capacity as representatives of the estate of James Joseph Bannon) and another [2020] EWHC 845 (Ch), [2020] All ER (D) 75 (Apr) provides an interesting example of some of the issues which the pandemic has raised in terms of access to justice and the continuing operation of the courts. More particularly, it required the

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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