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09 March 2017 / Dr Jon Robins
Issue: 7737 / Categories: Opinion
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Legal aid & a welcome U-turn

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Roll on the LASPO review; but adjust your expectations accordingly, says Jon Robins

Theresa May’s plans to better protect the victims of domestic violence were presented to the world last month as part of a personal crusade on the part of Number 10. “Domestic violence and abuse is a life-shattering and absolutely abhorrent crime; tackling it is an key priority for this Government—and something I have always attached a personal importance to, both as Home Secretary and now as Prime Minister,” she told the press.

Any reforms that will flow from the promised 18-month review will build on measures the Prime Minister introduced as Home Secretary, such as the new offence of controlling and coercive behaviour, domestic violence protection orders, and the domestic violence disclosure scheme. According to Theresa May, they would “ensure that no stone will be left unturned” in delivering a system that increased convictions and worked better for victims.

At first sight it might seem strange that one significant and long campaigned for change to better improve the lot

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley strengthens family law team

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Construction lawyer returns to Ward Hadaway in Teesside role

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird Bird hires leading legal transformation expert

NEWS
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

How forcefully can a litigant criticise a public authority before robust advocacy crosses the line into unreasonable conduct? 
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