header-logo header-logo

Up for debate?

14 December 2012 / Michael Uberoi
Issue: 7542 / Categories: Opinion , Public
printer mail-detail

Should there be concern over the fairness of the Hillsborough panel’s procedures, asks Michael Uberoi

The Hillsborough Independent Panel published its report into the circumstances of the tragedy in September of this year. Its conclusions have apparently found widespread acceptance among the media and the general public.

Such acceptance is noteworthy given the unusual circumstances which led to the panel’s creation, and because the nature of its work differed so markedly from the model relied upon for traditional public inquiries. The panel was never intended to be a public inquiry, and its genesis and work demonstrate this repeatedly. Notwithstanding this, its conclusions have received a level of acceptance which recent “judge-led” inquiries could only envy.

The Hillsborough Independent Panel

Traditionally, judges have been appointed to lead many inquiries into matters (or disasters) of national importance, because of their presumed expertise in examining evidence and establishing fair procedures. In recent months, Leveson J was asked to lead the public inquiry which now bears his name, and Dame Janet Smith was asked by the BBC

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll