THIS ISSUE
A High Court decision has clarified that a home may be unfit for human habitation not only where conditions endanger health or safety, but also where they seriously undermine comfort and convenience
Has forensic science passed the point of recovery? Jon Robins reports on a sector caught in a dangerous downward spiral
A nuisance claim may not always fly, but negligence could still offer a remedy, as Andrew Ross explains
A longer time limit for employment tribunal claims, new charity law thresholds, property tribunal recruitment and appellate guidance on small-claims costs feature in the latest Civil Way round-up
A recent High Court ruling could make issue estoppel considerably more complex in cross-border litigation, requiring parties to consider the foreign law governing the underlying claim
The Supreme Court has overturned Cheshire West’s bright-line test for deprivation of liberty, replacing it with a broader, more contextual assessment that gives greater weight to an individual’s wishes, feelings and apparent consent
Which law governs the preclusive effect of an earlier judgment? Alexander Bromwich & Marina Boterashvili explore the evolving doctrine of issue estoppel
Janet Carter proposes a cost-neutral amendment on restraining orders which could make a significant difference to victims of domestic abuse
Chris Roberts explores how three key proposals in Jonathan Fisher KC’s fraud report might work in practice
Jonathan Fisher KC’s wide-ranging fraud report contains worthwhile proposals, but turning them into workable reform will require money, capacity and political will
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Trowers & Hamlins—Paul Batchelor
Trowers Hamlins strengthens Birmingham Office with senior corporate partner hire
Birketts—trainee appointments
Birketts welcomes largest ever Trainee Solicitor cohort for 2026
Sidley—James Sherlock
Sidley Expands Private Equity Practice With James Sherlock in London
NEWS
A divorced woman has secured funding to participate in her former husband’s inquest after the Legal Aid Agency reconsidered repeated refusals
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
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
Developers in areas with poorly performing councils can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for permission under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
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
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