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05 December 2025
Issue: 8142 / Categories: Legal News , Public , Human rights , Judicial review
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NLJ this week: Human rights disputes push courts to redefine their role

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The public law team at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer surveys significant recent human rights and judicial review rulings in this week's NLJ

The Supreme Court in Shvidler reaffirmed that courts must conduct their own proportionality assessments, though they must give weight to executive judgments; Lord Leggatt’s dissent warned against judicial deference that ‘abdicates responsibility’.

Challenges to the Online Safety Act highlighted potential conflicts between Category 1 duties and freedom of expression, with the court signalling that future ECHR challenges remain possible.

Under the National Security and Investment Act, a divestment order survived scrutiny despite acknowledged severity, illustrating courts’ reluctance to second-guess national security decisions.

Meanwhile, the boundary between contract and public law remained contested in cases involving Building Safety Act schemes.

Finally, strict time-limit rulings underscore that promptness—often faster than three months—is essential in judicial review.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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