NEW GENERAL CRIMINAL CONTRACT
PROSECUTION GUIDANCE
The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2008 (SI 2008/1586). This SI brings in to force on 14 July 2008 large parts of the 2008 Act (see NLJ, 13 June 2008).
The Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2008 (SI 2008/1586). This order adds the United Arab Emirates as a Part 2 territory under the Extradition Act 2003.
CONTRACTING
A new general criminal contract came in to force on 14 July 2008. There are a large number of changes that suppliers need to take note of:
Financial disclosure: a new power to require production of financial records where the Legal Services Comission believes the business is at risk.
Duty to have an equality and diversity policy.
A tightening up of rules against inducements making clear that only refreshments or cigarettes for immediate consumption may be given to clients.
Rules requiring compliance with audits and the introduction of “mystery shopper” surveys.
A duty to keep complete files for a period
