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02 May 2025
Issue: 8114 / Categories: Legal News , Equality , Discrimination , Human rights , Diversity
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NLJ this week: Exploring the reasoning behind For Women at the Supreme Court

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The Supreme Court’s decision in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers has sparked heated debate and a lot of confusion about what it means exactly in practice. In this week’s NLJ, Nicholas Dobson takes an in-depth look at some of the legal arguments behind the judgment.

As Dobson writes, the unanimous judgment is ‘a major exercise in statutory interpretation’, on the meaning of ‘man’, ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010), and the effect on this of a gender recognition certificate. He explores some of the statutory and caselaw background to the decision.

Dobson writes: ‘The court considered the concept of sex to be “of foundational importance” in EqA 2010. It would be surprising if “sex” and “woman” were intended to have different meanings in different parts of EqA 2010.’ 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Church Court Chambers—Maryam Syed KC

Church Court Chambers—Maryam Syed KC

Church Court Chambers welcomes Maryam Syed KC

Devonshires—Sean Garbutt

Devonshires—Sean Garbutt

Devonshires strengthens construction team with appointment of partner Sean Garbutt

Thackray Williams—Alexandra Hubbard

Thackray Williams—Alexandra Hubbard

Thackray Williams strengthens employment team with dual-qualified solicitor

NEWS
Judges and lawyers reviewing the rules of disclosure have ruled out a return to the old system of CPR Part 31, and will consult on proposals to simplify the Practice Direction (PD) 57AD regime by early next year
A consumer organisation has hit back at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for encouraging motor finance compensation claimants to steer clear of law firms and claims management companies
A fast, free and anonymous piece of software has been launched to help law practices comply with their regulatory duty to guard against an increasing onslaught of cyberattacks
A mood of cautious optimism has enveloped the criminal law sector following indications the prime minister may abandon planned jury reforms
The Court of Appeal has held user damages are recoverable in a competition claim, in Meta Platforms Inc and other companies v Gormsen [2026] EWCA Civ 993
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