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26 April 2024
Issue: 8068 / Categories: Legal News , Public , Human rights , Equality
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NLJ this week: Free speech or malicious communication?

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You’ve got to be thick-skinned to go into local politics, but to how much aggravation should a publicly spirited person be subjected? In this week’s NLJ, Nicholas Dobson tests the limits

Dobson considers the case of Middlewich, Cheshire resident Thomas Casserly, who was convicted under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 for sending emails that were ‘grossly offensive’ to a town councillor. Casserly relied in his defence on his right to freedom of speech.

Dobson notes that Casserly ‘takes a keen interest in local politics, frequently attending and asking questions at town council meetings’. So, where does the law draw the line? Dobson investigates. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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