THIS ISSUE
Discarded nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters are a familiar sight in towns and cities across the UK, but should the law on their use be changed?
The ‘failure to prevent’ fraud offence, now confirmed by the government, is big news for corporates.
Japanese knotweed is a plant on the rampage, scuppering property deals large and small and striking terror into the hearts of conveyancing professionals on a level akin to John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids.
Litigation funders have enjoyed a relatively easy regulatory ride so far, but are the good times coming to an end?
While nitrous oxide abuse is no joke, is criminalising the drug the right move? Dr Michael Harrison & Dr Olubunmi Onafuwa caution against a heavy-handed approach to the laughing gas problem
How can the civil law help victims of image-based sexual abuse? Zahra Awaiz-Bilal reports on a landmark decision of the High Court
With change finally on the horizon, Julia Petrenko & Ashpen Rajah outline the long overdue case for reforming the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954
The new ‘failure to prevent’ fraud criminal offence: Abigail Rushton & Rhys Novak set out the steps corporate bodies should be taking now to prepare
Is the current approach to delegated legislation undermining the constitutional balance between executive & legislature? Nick Wrightson discusses the need for greater oversight
David Walbank KC reports on anthropomorphism in court & the legal protections accorded to animals
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Haynes Boone—Louise Woods
Haynes Boone expands global capabilities with addition of Louise Woods as chair of international disputes
DWF—John Gilfedder
DWF strengthens Global Risks practice with strategic hire of aviation partner in London
Shakespeare Martineau—10 newly qualified solicitors
Shakespeare Martineau appoints newly qualified solicitors
NEWS
The Thirlwall Inquiry has exposed a ‘complete failure’ to protect babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, but its recommendations must now be put into practice
A divorced woman has secured funding to participate in her former husband’s inquest after the Legal Aid Agency reconsidered repeated refusals
More than 500 former rugby players can pursue brain injury claims despite serious failures to disclose documents ordered by the High Court
When does a solicitor’s retainer become a contentious business agreement? The Court of Appeal’s decision in Broadfield Law UK LLP v Barnes shows that listing hourly rates alone will not do, leaving firms and clients uncertain about their rights over bills
MPs cannot simply resign their Commons seats. Instead, they take a nominal Crown office, usually the Chiltern Hundreds or Manor of Northstead, which disqualifies them from sitting
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