Thursday 25 October 2012

The Supreme Court has granted permission for human rights organisation Liberty to intervene in support of Iranian Bank Mellat in a case relating to government sanctions. The bank argues that the sanctions are unlawful and that HM Treasury's use of a closed judgment is a breach of common law principles.

Seven judges will hear the case in March 2013.

Magistrate numbers down

Magistrate numbers fell by more than 1,200 in 2011/12, the government has revealed. In a written Commons answer, justice minister Helen Grant said 1,959 had left the magistracy last year, of whom 1,099 resigned. Just 736 were appointed - a drop of more than 27% on the previous 12 months.

APIL fights 'victorian' reforms

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has criticised a late addition to health and safety reforms as a return 'to the Victorian age'. The group opposes a new clause in the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform bill which requires proof of negligence to bring a case. The bill will have its third reading before passing to the House of Lords.

Patent small claims track allows informality

A small claims track has been introduced to the Patents County Court to allow disputes an informal hearing without legal representation. The process is available to copyright, trademark and unregistered design holders.

Regulator seeks legal advisers

The Legal Services Board has invited applications to join its legal advice panel. The regulator says it requires support for public and private law, legislative drafting and litigation.

The deadline for submissions is 16 November.