It’s been a while since we’ve had one of these posts up but dissertation deadlines, coursework and exams have all gotten in the way.

FAMILIES OF HILLSBOROUGH VICTIMS TO SUE POLICE

The families of the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy are planning to launch a multimillion-pound claim against two police forces following this week’s decision that the 96 victims were unlawfully killed. James Saunders of Saunders Law, on behalf of the victims, spoke of evidence of a systematic cover-up intended to shift the blame away from the police. His colleague Nia Williams said the action was, “for accountability, not damages”, for the families who have been suffering since 1989.

Read more at: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/28/hillsborough-families-to-sue-police-for-abuse-on-industrial-scale

More on the inquest and the fight for justice can be found in the excellent work of David Conn (@David_Conn) and can be read here.

EU REFERENDUM DEMYSTIFIED BY FREE E-BOOK WRITTEN BY ACADEMICS

Produced by The Hunter Foundation in partnership with a host of the UK’s leading European scholars a free eBook entitled Britain’s Decision – Facts and Impartial Analysis has identified 19 key questions. It attempts to offer impartial analysis of these 19 issues and Sir Tom Hunter hopes that it will allow voters to make up their own mind about the huge decision ahead.

Read more at: http://www.scottishlegal.com/2016/04/28/academics-produce-free-e-book-demystifying-eu-referendum/

The E-Book is available for download here

BRITON’S ABROAD LOSE HIGH COURT BID TO VOTE IN THE EU REFERENDUM

A challenge brought by two Britons living abroad, one in Italy and the other in Belgium who wanted to have their say in the forthcoming referendum have had their bid denied. It is estimated two million Britons living elsewhere within the EU will not be able to take part in the referendum. Aidan O’Neill QC who represented the expats said that in the event of a victory for the Leave campaign British expats would no longer be EU citizens, meaning that their rights to live, work and receive health care free at the point of use will be in jeopardy. James Eadie QC, representing the government argued that had the challenge been successful then it would be impossible for the referendum to take place as planned on 23 June.

Read more at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36159009

PROBLEMS WITH NEW JUDICIAL POWERS IN SCOTLAND

Former GCU Law lecturer Chris McCorkindale (@chrismccork) has written a piece examining issues with the expansion of judicial power resulting from devolution. These powers carry significant constitutional implications yet have not been the subject of any serious scrutiny. Chris breaks down the implications in an excellent piece for the Judicial Power Project.

Read the piece in full at: http://judicialpowerproject.org.uk/the-new-powers-of-the-judiciary-in-scotland/

NOMINEES FOR THE NEXT UK JUDGE AT THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The nominees for the next UK judge at the ECHR have been revealed. Tim Eicke QC has appeared at the Supreme Court numerous times instructed by both claimants and the government. He has been a QC since 2011. Jessica Simor QC has also appeared for both claimants and the government and recently represented pro-privacy groups at the European Court of Justice against the UK government in a surveillance case.  Finally, Murray Hunt, a founder of Matrix Chambers and visiting lecturer at Oxford University who also advises parliaments joint committee on human rights.

Read more on the nominees and the post at the ECHR at: http://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/apr/28/uk-nominees-for-judge-at-european-court-of-human-rights-revealed

CAN THERESA MAY LEAVE THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS?

For anyone with a spare ten minutes GCU Law lecturer Nick McKerrell (@DrNikLaw) has recorded an excellent podcast on the European Convention on Human Rights and whether Theresa May can remove us from it.

The podcast can be found here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/drnickmck/what-is-law-can-teresa-may-leave-the-eur

TRIAL HALTED SO JUDGE CAN FIND OUT WHO ONE DIRECTION ARE

Three defendants accused of selling counterfeit One Direction merchandise had proceedings against them halted while the judge, Ian Lawrie QC, had to ask their barrister who the boyband are.

Read more at: http://www.legalcheek.com/2016/04/one-direction-judge-halts-trial-because-he-has-no-idea-who-boyband-is/