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08 August 2019
Issue: 7852 / Categories: Legal News , Family
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Till death us do part

Wedding ceremonies could take place in more unusual locations in future, under law reforms being considered by the Law Commission.

Couples could tie the knot on ships, military sites and in other outdoor locations, if current regulations are reformed. The Commission’s review of wedding law, which it began in July, will consider who can solemnise a marriage and will look at a potential scheme for non-religious belief organisations and independent celebrants. However, any policy consideration on which new groups should be allowed to conduct legally binding weddings will be left to government.

The review will also cover whether specific vows should be required during a ceremony, how marriages should be registered, and the consequences for non-compliance with any requirements.

Much of the current law dates from 1836.

Law Commissioner Nick Hopkins said the project ‘aims to bring the 19th century law up to date and make it more flexible, giving couples greater choice so they can marry in a way that is meaningful to them’. 

Issue: 7852 / Categories: Legal News , Family
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Gateley Legal—Daniel Walsh

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NEWS
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Plans to reduce jury trials risk missing the real problem in the criminal justice system. Writing in NLJ this week, David Wolchover of Ridgeway Chambers argues the crown court backlog is fuelled not by juries but weak cases slipping through a flawed ‘50%’ prosecution test
Emerging technologies may soon transform how courts determine truth in deeply personal disputes. In this week's NLJ, Madhavi Kabra of 1 Hare Court and Harry Lambert of Outer Temple Chambers explore how neurotechnology could reshape family law
A controversial protest case has reignited debate over the limits of free expression. In NLJ this week, Nicholas Dobson examines a Quran-burning incident testing public order law
The courts have drawn a firm line under attempts to extend arbitration appeals. Writing in NLJ this week, Masood Ahmed of the University of Leicester highlights that if the High Court refuses permission under s 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996, that is the end
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