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31 January 2008
Issue: 7306 / Categories: Features , Local government , Public , Procedure & practice
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The penal puzzle

The prison population currently stands at over 81,000—roughly double what it was a mere 15 years ago. On present projections, in a few years’ time it will be over 100,000.

The prison population currently stands at over 81,000—roughly double what it was a mere 15 years ago. On present projections, in a few years’ time it will be over 100,000. It was predictable therefore that one of Lord Carter’s recommendations in his recent review of prisons would be an increase in the prison building programme (see Securing the Future—Proposals for the Efficient and Sustainable Use of Custody in and , December 2007).

“Careful planning does not preclude social, economic and political pressures leading to changes”

 

His terms of reference—to consider options for improving the balance between the supply of, and demand for, prison places—were managerial, and Lord Carter is just the man for that job. He did not issue a general call for evidence nor did he publish a consultation paper. There is no mention in his

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—four appointments

Birketts—four appointments

Firm expands partnership with four lateral hires across key practice areas

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Commercial law firm announces appointment of corporate partner

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joins corporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

NEWS
Serial sperm donor Robert Albon has lost his bid for a declaration of paternity, ‘on the ground that to grant it would manifestly be contrary to public policy’
The government is considering wholesale reform of consumer class actions—the ‘opt-out’ collective claims certified by the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT)
A ‘sophisticated suspected fraud’ may have taken place at PM Law involving the improper removal and misuse of about £39.5m of client funds, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will invest in technology to catch tech-reliant fraudsters and handle voluminous case materials
Law firms enjoyed rapid growth in 2025, according to a Financial Benchmarking Survey, published by the Law Society last week
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