Totality and Multiple-Death Uplifts in Gross Negligence Manslaughter Sentencing: Lead Sentence May Exceed the Single‑Offence Guideline Range 1. Introduction In R v Lloyd [2026] EWCA Crim 917, the...
Reaffirmation of R v Jones: Proceeding with Trial in the Defendant’s Absence Where Non-Attendance Is Unexplained or Unconvincingly Justified 1. Introduction In Naaim, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 769, the...
Exceptional Mitigation and Factual Accuracy in Sentencing Emergency-Response Dangerous Driving; Mandatory 5-Year Disqualification and Section 35A RTOA 1988 Introduction In R v Roberts [2026] EWCA...
Staying Within Burglary Guideline Ranges Despite “Third Strike” Minimums: Proportionate Uplifts and Totality Introduction In Wall, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 768, the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)...
AI-Assisted Witness Coaching: Stay for Abuse Is Exceptional and Usually Curable by Trial Process 1) Introduction In R. v FGD [2026] EWCA Crim 918, the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) (Lady...
Sentencing for Rape: Youth/Immaturity Must Be Addressed as Mitigation and Explained in the Final Term 1. Introduction In R v EMP [2026] EWCA Crim 750, the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) reviewed...
“Significant Degree of Planning” Sets a High Threshold for Culpability A in Sexual Activity with a Child Sentencing 1) Introduction In R v James [2026] EWCA Crim 767, the Court of Appeal (Criminal...
Hourly-Rate Litigation Retainers Are Not Contentious Business Agreements Unless the Remuneration Is Sufficiently Certain Case: Broadfield Law UK LLP v Barnes Citation: [2026] EWCA Civ 698 (Court of...
Abuse of Process (Second Limb): An Inconsistent Basis of Plea in Related Youth Court Proceedings Will Not Usually Bar Prosecution of Co-Defendants Where Public Confidence Favours Trial 1....
Sentencing Young Adult Class A Supply: Mandatory Consideration of Maturity, Mitigation, and Suspension 1) Introduction In Rex v Jayden Berry [2026] EWCA Crim 747, the Court of Appeal (Criminal...
Target duties under the Care Act 2014 are not “mandatory relevant considerations” for discretionary service-closure decisions unless the governing power requires it Case: Gould, R (On the Application...
Non‑mechanistic application of Schedule 21 youth murder starting points and “ought to be obvious” culpability for child manslaughter offenders Case: VGT & Ors [2026] EWCA Crim 919 (CACD) Procedure:...
Leave to Oppose Adoption: Correct s.47 Two‑Stage Analysis, “Belt-and-Braces” Alternative Findings, and a Prohibition on Same‑Day Adoption Orders 1. Introduction In R (A Child: Leave to Oppose...
Descriptive Common Elements Can Be Weighed in Mark–Sign Comparison Without “Double Counting” (Shorts International Ltd v Google LLC) 1) Introduction In Shorts International Ltd v Google LLC [2026]...
Section 5 Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004: “Allowing” Liability Turns on an Evidenced Pre-existing Risk and Foreseeable Circumstances—Not Mere Breach of a Safety Plan or Generalised...
Affray directions: omission of s.6(2) mens rea is not fatal where the jury’s actus reus finding inexorably proves intent 1) Introduction In Summerson & Anor v Rex [2026] EWCA Crim 625, the Court of...
Adoption Is Not an “Either/Or” with Family Bonds: Courts Must Properly Apply ACA 2002 Welfare and Use s.26 Contact to Secure Sibling Relationships 1. Introduction In Re L (A Child: Placement and...
Limits on Striking Out an Appeal Notice Pre‑Permission and “Substantial Effect” Compliance for Tenancy Deposit Prescribed Information 1. Introduction In Hamer v Levy [2026] EWCA Civ 662, the Court of...
Conditional Fee Agreements: Express Termination-and-Payment Code Defeats Restitutionary Quantum Meruit After Repudiation 1. Introduction The Winros Partnership v Global Energy Horizons Corporation...
Repayment Defences in Foreign-Law Tort Claims: Pleading “Choice” and Proving Discharge Beyond Ledger Entries 1. Introduction JSC Commercial Bank Privatbank v Kolomosiky & Anor [2026] EWCA Civ 658 is...