court

The right to a fair trial can be in danger if individuals go to court without legal representation

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The disadvantages faced by individuals who go to court without a lawyer can jeopardise their right to a fair trial. This is the finding of a two-year Nuffield Foundation study by Ulster University on ‘litigants in person’ in the civil and family courts in Northern Ireland, which examined the experiences of individuals who represented themselves in court. There has been considerable concern over the rise in the number of litigants in person across the UK, although this research shows that …

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Ashers lose appeal in ‘cake’ case

| Readers 2065

COURT OF APPEAL found that Ashers Baking Company is not allowed to only provide a service to people who agree with their religious beliefs: “In the present case the appellants might elect not to provide a service that involves any religious or political message. What they may not do is provide a service that only reflects their own political or religious message in relation to sexual orientation.”

Liam Adams to be extradited to face abuse charges in Northern Ireland…

| Readers 10

Mark Simpson tweets: Adds: The defence’s case that pre trial media coverage meant Mr Adams could not expect a fair trial has been set aside. He will face 18 charges of abuse from his daughter. However the judge has given a short stay until Thursday (so he can remain on bail), when the matter will be mentioned again. He would normally be given 15 days to appeal the judge’s decision. Related reading: Liam Adams Timeline Mick FealtyMick is founding editor …

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Tweeting in court (with permission) in England and Wales only for now

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Victory to Tweeters! The UK’s Lord Chief Justice has ruled in my favour to tweet in court! Assembly committees please take note. – @EamonnMallie While the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales yesterday issued interim guidance to clarify that “an application, whether formally or informally made [to a judge] can be made by an individual in court to activate and use a mobile phone, small laptop or similar piece of equipment, solely in order to make live, text-based communications …

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