The prosecution of leading human rights barrister Rajiv Menon KC for contempt of court, stemming from his closing speech in a Palestine Action trial, has caused significant concern and fear among lawyers, according to the Criminal Bar Association chair. Senior legal figures have criticized the move, believed to be the first such prosecution.
Hundreds of former rugby players suing governing bodies for brain injuries face a critical juncture as their solicitor, Richard Boardman of Rylands Garth, steps down following judicial criticism and non-compliance. The claimants, now seeking new representation, face potential strike-outs from the case, which could remove hundreds from proceedings.
Hong Kong barrister Franco Kuan Bak-on faces criminal charges for allegedly causing grievous bodily harm while driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested on January 11 after a collision on Hung Mui Kuk Road.
Hong Kong barrister Franco Kuan Bak-on faces criminal charges for allegedly causing grievous bodily harm while driving drunk. He was arrested in January after a collision on Hung Mui Kuk Road. His breath-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit.
A Melbourne man faces rape and sexual assault charges. His former personal assistant alleges he raped her, after which she punched him. The defense questions her credibility, citing past false allegations.
Former independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have launched Community Strong Australia, a new political party aiming to offer an alternative to major parties. The party, founded on values of sensible economic management, climate action, equality, and integrity, will operate with a collective leadership model and allow members to vote independently on most matters.
An AI law firm, Garfield AI, has won a case in an English court, believed to be the first time an AI lawyer has secured a trial victory. The firm handled a debt recovery case for a client, preparing all legal work and documents before a human barrister advocated in court.
The Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights has been launched with £10,000, funded by compensation awarded to a Windrush victim who died before receiving it. The prize aims to support emerging playwrights and address underrepresentation in British theatre.
A Brisbane court is deciding if a teenager accused of planning a nail bombing campaign was a "troubled kid" making jokes or a determined terrorist. The defense argues he was experimenting with ideas, while the prosecution points to evidence like bomb manuals and online searches as proof of intent.
Karim Khan, the ICC chief prosecutor, has been suspended from practicing law in England and Wales by the UK's Bar Standards Board (BSB) due to sexual abuse allegations. This follows a similar suspension from his ICC role, which he denies. The BSB's interim suspension is effective immediately and will be reviewed within four weeks.
Bruce Lehrmann's seized diary must be declassified by the federal government before it can be returned to him, a court heard. Lehrmann is suing for legal funding to fight corruption allegations related to misappropriating secret documents about French submarines.
Hong Kong's Chief Justice Andrew Cheung urged senior barristers to maintain integrity and judgment to uphold public confidence in the judicial system. Speaking at a ceremony where six new senior counsel were appointed, Cheung emphasized that the role requires more than technical skill, including professional standards even when inconvenient or unpopular.
Rajiv Menon KC says he was performing his duty to fairly and fully represent his client.
Rajiv Menon KC was accused of breaching judge’s directions with his closing speech at trial of six activistsA leading human rights barrister has won an appeal against his referral for contempt of court over his closing speech during a trial of Palestine Action activists.Rajiv Menon KC was accused of breaching the judge’s directions in the trial of six people for a 2024 direct action protest at an arms factory of the Israeli subsidiary Elbit Systems UK in Filton, near Bristol. Continue reading...
Charlotte Proudman’s comments follow trial of Christopher Trybus, who was acquitted of all charges against wife Tarryn BairdA barrister has suggested that a “dead woman was put on trial” in the case of Christopher Trybus, who was cleared of manslaughter by a jury.Charlotte Proudman’s comments came after Trybus was found not guilty by a jury of eight women and four men, who deliberated for more than 40 hours. He was acquitted of all charges: manslaughter, coercive and controlling behaviour and two counts of rape. Continue reading...
Rajiv Menon KC accused of defying judge’s orders to not inform jury of right to acquit on basis of conscienceA leading human rights barrister is facing contempt of court proceedings after he was accused of defying a judge’s orders during a trial of Palestine Action activists.Rajiv Menon KC is accused of breaching the judge’s directions while giving his closing speech in the trial of six people in relation to a 2024 direct action protest at an arms factory of the Israeli subsidiary Elbit Systems UK in Filton, near Bristol. Continue reading...
Leonie Hughes was expelled from school aged 15. Now, she's joined the Bar - and become a viral star.
Legal experts in Hong Kong are calling for a statutory definition of consent in sexual offence laws, arguing current interpretations rely on 'common sense' creating legal loopholes. The Law Reform Commission's 2019 report proposed defining consent as voluntary and given by a person with capacity, excluding consent obtained through violence, coercion or intimidation. A public consultation is expected soon, with new legislation targeted before the end of 2027.
John Ashby, 32, sentenced to life with minimum 14 years for religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman in Birmingham. He admitted rape, robbery, intentional strangulation and religiously aggravated assault after changing his pleas at Birmingham Crown Court.
Geoffrey Robertson KC, founder of Keir Starmer's barristers' chambers, has strongly criticized proposed restrictions on jury trials in England and Wales, calling them a 'betrayal of Labour values' and a 'cure worse than the disease'.
