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04 October 2007 / Susan Nash
Issue: 7291 / Categories: Features , Human rights
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Human Rights Update

SELF INCRIMINATION >>
ADVERSE Possession >>
INHERITANCE TAX >>
MARGIN OF Appreciation >>

RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT

Relying on Art 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the Convention) which guarantees the right to a fair trial, the applicants in O’Halloran v United Kingdom (App No 15809/02); Francis v United Kingdom (App No 25624/02), (2007) The Times, 13 July complained that the nature of information sought by a notice of intended prosecution under the 1988 Road Traffic Act (RTA 1988), s 172 violated their right to remain silent and their privilege against self-incrimination. In both cases the applicants’ cars had been caught on speed camera.

As registered keepers of the vehicles they were served notices of an intention to prosecute and asked for the details of the driver on the relevant occasion, or information which would lead to the driver’s identification. Each applicant was further informed that failing to provide information was a criminal offence under RTA 1988, s 172. Although the first applicant admitted that he was the driver, he complained that

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association

NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association

From first-generation student to trailblazing president of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, John McElroy of Fieldfisher reflects on resilience, identity and the power of bringing your whole self to the law

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Planning and environment team expands with partner hire in Manchester

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Firm appoints chief operating officer to strengthen leadership team

NEWS
A landmark Supreme Court ruling has underscored the sweeping reach of UK sanctions. In NLJ this week, Brónagh Adams and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper say the regime is a ‘blunt instrument’ requiring only a factual, not causal, link to restricted goods
Fraud claims are surging, with England and Wales increasingly the forum of choice for global disputes. Writing in NLJ this week, Jon Felce of Cooke, Young & Keidan reports claims have risen sharply, with fraud now a major share of litigation and costing billions worldwide
Litigators digesting Mazur are being urged to tighten oversight and compliance. In his latest 'Insider' column for NLJ this week, Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School provides a cut out and keep guide to the ruling’s core test: whether an unauthorised individual is ‘in truth acting on behalf of the authorised individual’
Conflicting county court rulings have left landlords uncertain over whether they can force entry after tenants refuse access. In this week's NLJ, Edward Blakeney and Ashpen Rajah of Falcon Chambers outline a split: some judges permit it under CPR 70.2A, others insist only Parliament can authorise such powers
A wave of scandals has reignited debate over misconduct in public office, criticised as unclear and inconsistently applied. Writing in NLJ this week, Alice Lepeuple of WilmerHale says the offence’s ‘vagueness, overbreadth & inconsistent deployment’ have undermined confidence
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