Philpott – why wasn’t it murder and when will he be free?
By Felicity Gerry 1.3 million people tuned into Channel 5 when the schedule was changed at 9pm on 3 April 2013 to show a documentary examining the high-profile Philpott story, featuring new material...
View ArticleWhy consensual sex may still be rape
By Felicity Gerry The BBC has reported today that the law on consent has been further defined by the Lord Chief Justice. The article reads: “A woman who agreed to sex might still be the victim of rape,...
View ArticleDoes the need for sensation justify the public’s right to be informed?
By Lucy Corrin The need for sensation alone has placed Jimmy Tarbuck’s name in the press for being questioned regarding an alleged sexual offence dating back to the 1970s. Jimmy Tarbuck is one of a...
View ArticleRobert Colover investigation: the misunderstandings around sex offence trials
By Felicity Gerry Calamitous comments by barrister Robert Colover have made the headlines this week as he referred to the victim of sexual offending as “predatory” and “sexually experienced”. The...
View ArticleMichael Le Vell case: the accuser deserves anonymity
By Jenny James The recent trial and acquittal of Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell raises some worrying thoughts as regards the young girl in the case. Her anonymity is preserved as the law...
View ArticleUniversal Children’s Day – child protection law in the spotlight
By Declan O’Dempsey Today sees Universal Children’s Day celebrated. The United Nations’ (UN) Universal Children’s Day, which was established in 1954, is celebrated on November 20th each year to promote...
View ArticleSentencing sexual offenders – a lost opportunity?
By Felicity Gerry, Catarina Sjölin and Lyndon Harris The Sentencing Council has issued a new Guideline in relation to sexual offences this month. The aim: “to help ensure appropriate and consistent...
View ArticleDomestic abuse – why creating a specific offence is not the answer
By Michelle Heeley The Offences Against the Person Act has been in law since 1861. It covers all forms of physical assault ranging from the most serious, such as stabbing someone, to common assault...
View ArticleKeir Starmer’s call for a “Victims’ Law” – all heart and no substance
By Felicity Gerry “From a victim’s point of view, our justice system is hardly fit for purpose.. “What is needed is a fundamental rethink, leading to a specific and legally enforceable Victims’ Law,...
View ArticleThe Nanny State – legislating on health and morality
By Merry Neal “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or...
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