These are the legal stories that caught our eye last week and this will be the first of a series of weekly posts where we’ll round up the week in law as seen by our volunteers.
Divorce to move online by 2017?
Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division, has recently told barristers that certain court proceedings, such as divorce, could be “digitised” as soon as 2017. Citing increasing amounts of litigants and a necessity for the law to improve, online divorce proceedings amongst other standardised court procedures could become the norm for the majority of litigants seeking such services.
This type of standardised and streamlined service could provide relief to both those seeking an immediate legal action and courts struggling through a backlog of litigants and cases. However, the question remains whether or not an emotionally muddled action like a divorce could be done through something as simple as a questionnaire?
Read more at: http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/practice/divorce-to-move-online-in-2017-says-munby/5053929.article
On that same theme an app created by a Canadian Law Graduate that aims to simplify the divorce procedure is preparing for a UK release. The app, called Thistoo, aims to speed up the process by offering automated completion of relevant documents in cases where couples are self-representing. It also offers a database of previous decisions to give an idea of the outcome of the case. It is hoped that access to this software will save time and money and alleviate some of the strain of an otherwise stressful time. However, critics argue that the provision of legal services in this method detracts from the personal approach that is required during such proceedings and is unlikely to make much of an impact in changing the methods of providing these services.
Read more at: http://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/55791
New Snoopers Charter
Hours after more than 100 MP’s lodged an objection to the snoopers charter, Theresa May brought the bill before parliament and the second reading is due 14th of April. Argued that such a rapid turnaround shows contempt for privacy and may have serious implications on Human Rights.
Read more at: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/01/proposed-snoopers-charter-shows-governments-contempt-for-privacy
Changes to Vicarious Liability
Two significant decisions which will impact vicarious liability
Cox v MoJ (https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2014-0089-judgment.pdf)(English Case but will likely be followed) Vicarious liability extended beyond the contract of employment to inmates in a prison
Mohamud v Morrisons (https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2014-0087-judgment.pdf) (Also English) – Assualts by employees are covered by the doctrine, where normally they wouldn’t be as it isn’t within the scope of duties.
Read more at: http://www.legalcheek.com/2016/03/todays-supreme-court-vicarious-liability-decision-to-hit-law-syllabuses/