Legal News Round-Up – Ferbruary 2025
A round-up of some of the articles you might have missed in last momnth.
February 2025 saw some significant developments in UK criminal law, ranging from legislative changes to concerning crime trends. Here’s a roundup of five key crime stories from the past month.
1. Government Faces Backlash Over Cuts to Victim Support Services
The UK government is under fire for slashing funding for victim support services. Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner, warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that these cuts, alongside rising national insurance costs, are putting charities in crisis. Organizations like Rape Crisis England and Wales have already begun scaling back their services.
Critics argue the funding reductions could leave victims without essential support, making it harder to bring offenders to justice. Labour’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls is also being questioned.
The Ministry of Justice defends its stance, citing ongoing financial commitments to policing and victim services. However, advocacy groups insist that the cuts are unsustainable and are calling for immediate government action.
To read the full article on The Guardian, please click here.
2. Undercover Officers Accused of Deceptive Relationships
At least 25 undercover UK police officers have allegedly engaged in deceptive sexual relationships while infiltrating political groups over the past three decades. Some fathered children with unsuspecting women, sparking serious ethical and legal concerns.
A public inquiry, led by retired judge John Mitting, aims to uncover the extent of the misconduct and institutional failures that allowed it. Over 1,000 political groups were monitored, raising further questions about civil liberties and surveillance.
Victims are demanding justice and reforms to prevent future abuses. The ongoing inquiry is expected to shed light on these covert operations and propose stronger oversight mechanisms.
To read the full article on The Guardian, please click here.
3.Understanding Assisted Dying: Potential Legal Changes and What They Mean
Assisted dying refers to providing terminally ill individuals with the means to end their own lives.
Recent legislative proposals in England and Wales aim to legalize this practice under strict conditions, including residency requirements, mental capacity assessments, and confirmation of a prognosis of six months or less to live.
The proposed laws also mandate multiple declarations of intent, evaluations by independent doctors, and approval from a High Court judge to ensure informed and voluntary decisions.
Read more about these possible changes on the BBC Website here.
4.Government Considers Tougher Laws on Unlicensed Drivers
The UK government is planning stricter laws on unlicensed drivers following the tragic death of 14-year-old Harry Parker. He was killed in Swindon in 2022 by a driver without a license or insurance, who failed to stop. The Crown Prosecution Service later dropped charges due to insufficient evidence.
Labour MP Will Stone has introduced the “Harry Parker Bill,” which would make causing death while driving unlicensed a specific criminal offense. Currently, unlicensed drivers can only face severe penalties if careless or dangerous driving is proven.
The government has expressed support for the bill, which is expected to be part of its Road Safety Strategy. Harry Parker’s parents continue to campaign for change, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.
To read the full article on Sky News, please click here.
5. Criminals to Be Compelled to Attend Sentencing Hearings
The UK government is set to introduce legislation granting judges the authority to compel offenders to attend their sentencing hearings. This move comes in response to several high-profile cases where criminals, including convicted murderer Lucy Letby, refused to appear in court for sentencing, denying victims and their families the opportunity to witness justice being served.
Under the proposed laws, judges can order offenders to attend sentencing, with custody officers authorized to use reasonable force to ensure compliance. If an offender still refuses, they could face an additional two-year prison sentence. These measures aim to address the distress caused to victims’ families when offenders are absent during critical judicial proceedings.
While existing powers allow judges to mandate attendance, they have been infrequently exercised. The new legislation seeks to clarify and reinforce these powers, ensuring that offenders are present to hear the impact of their crimes and the sentences imposed. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of victims and maintaining the integrity of the justice system.
To read the full article on BBC News, please click here.
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