12 May 2008

Police - September 2007

This edition considers recent cases on policing demonstrations, anti social behaviour orders and the criteria for public funding, last weeks report published by the IPCC on Police road traffic incidents, an update on the review of PACE being conducted by the Home Office, forthcoming changes to the Civil Court fees and Fast Track Trial costs, the Corporate Manslaughter Act and the legal status of  Police Disciplinary Boards.

 

Police pursuits

On 18 September 2007 the IPCC published a major study on Police road traffic incidents.  Martin Forshaw reviews the  Police Road Traffic Incidents report and its conclusions.

Policing demonstrations - striking a balance

The divisional court was asked to consider two questions arising out of the imposition by the Metropolitan Police of conditions attached to a demonstration.  Nick Peel considers the case of DPP v Haw.

Corporate Manslaughter

The Act received royal assent on the 26 July but is not yet in force.    Nick Peel summarises in diagrammatical form the key provisions of the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 so far as they relate to police forces. 

PACE

The ongoing Home Office review of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) took a step forward on 19 September 2007 when the Policing Powers and Protection Unit published its first post Consultation report.  Glyn Thompson looks at the initial responses for the review of PACE.

Police Disciplinary Boards and the doctrine of quasi-judicial immunity

A review on the Court of Appeals recent decision on disciplinary boards.   Paul McFarlane explains the decision in the case of Lake -v -British Transport Police and considers its wider implications for Police Disciplinary Boards.

Fees

Amendments to Civil Court Fees and Fast Track Trial Costs.  Laura Wilkin summarises the key changes in force from 1 October 2007 for Civil Court fees and Fast Track Trial Costs.

Anti-social behaviour

These cases are never simple.  Belinda Moore describes a recent Crown Court appeal against a Magistrates’ Court  decision on a local authority ASBO application.

Public funding

Challenge by way of judicial review to the discharge of legal aid certificate.   Nicola Roberts considers the case of Martin v Legal Services Commission.

We hope that you find our bulletin informative and practical and we would welcome feedback on ways in which we can ensure that the bulletin best meets your needs.  The Bulletin’s editor is Martin Forshaw,  Head of National Police Team who can be contacted at: martin.forshaw@weightmans.com

This update does not attempt to provide a full analysis of those matters with which it deals and is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for legal advice. Weightmans LLP accepts no responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance on the information in this update. The copyright in this update is owned by Weightmans.