Nov 16

Nov 16 Spiking - the law as it stands, and assessing the need for reform

There has been a notable increase in public concern over spiking in recent months, particularly with reference to reports of a new form of spiking- spiking by injection. This article demonstrates that the poisoning offences under the OAPA and s61 SOA criminalise a variety of activities that are typically classed as spiking. Neither offence specifies that the substance in question must be orally ingested, a spiking by injection is therefore likely to be applicable to the offences mentioned. A new offence specifically addressing injection spiking might not be strictly necessary to prosecute those who engage in the practice, but might be beneficial in the broader realm of the public perception of the severity of the issue.

Oct 21

Oct 21 Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, time for reform?

Frederick Green

Legal, Politics, Public, Reform

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act’s days are numbered, with a Government backed repeal and replace Bill having recently completed its first reading. This article seeks to assess the FTPA’s ‘central aim’ of preventing the sitting Government from calling a snap election, concluding that the Act is ineffective in this role.

Oct 12

Oct 12 Global Minimum Tax Rate – The End of the “Race to the Bottom”?

Ignacy Drzewiecki

Legal, Politics, Reform, Tax Law

After years of gruelling negotiations, 136 countries have agreed on a global minimum tax rate. The deal will ensure that multinational companies pay a minimum tax rate of 15%. Furthermore, to guarantee that taxes are being paid where they ought to be, the agreement will focus on making it harder for companies to avoid taxation.

Jan 17

Jan 17 France: a state of civil unrest

Adam Harwood

Reform

The French political system is in a state of paralysis. Macron’s proposed pension reforms have been met with fierce civil unrest. The strike has now entered into its second month, with little sign of slowing down, what must he do to restore stability in the capital?

Nov 20

Nov 20 The growing defence of 'rough sex' and its effect on the normalisation of violence against women

Jonathan Simpson

Criminal Law, Reform

The chilling reality of our criminal justice system that is the conventionalisation of misogynistic attitudes has led male defendants to increasingly ask juries to believe that their partners asked for their death by engaging in rough sex.

Nov 5

Nov 5 The youth criminal system is in dire need of reform

Bryn Evans

Criminal Law, Reform

With criminal cases involving children taking 40% longer from offence to completion today than in 2010, England’s Children’s Commissioner has called for reform of the system amid concerns that the delays are detrimental to access to justice and rehabilitation.

Oct 23

Oct 23 Good Work Plan: legislative employment reform?

Sophia Gonella

Employment Law, Reform

The UK Government has now established a programme to reform the labour market in its current form to address some of the major issues flagged up in responses to a number of consultations in October.

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