A Very Happy New Year 2014

New Year's Eve 2013

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR to all readers.  We are only just into the New Year so let's not be unduly serious for today!

The Telegraph informs us that Murderers could get hundreds of years in jail to get round the European Court ban.   Wait a moment ... it may apply to other offenders as well ... The Telegraph goes on .... "Murderers and other offenders convicted of very serious crimes could be given US-style jail sentences lasting hundreds of years to get round a ban by European human rights judges ..."  

The decision in Vinter v UK, is causing the judiciary some problems when sentencing for murder - (as discussed last month) - and a Court of Appeal ruling is imminent.  

I was reminded
by a follower on Twitter of this old cartoon:  

. @ObiterJ worth a look at this antique Punch cartoon pic.twitter.com/ULGyhme36I
— Tom Tyson (@MaltonTom) January 2, 2014

This year, we are expecting the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor to reveal plans for the future of OUR human rights protection.  The plans will perhaps appear in the Conservative Party manifesto for the 2015 election.  Meanwhile, The Telegraph has chosen to give us a flavour of what may happen -- (article).  It is reported that the proposals being drawn up will be based on a Private Member's Bill proposed in March 2013 by Mr Charlie Elphicke MP.  This Bill may be seen at Human Rights Act 1998 (Repeal and Substitution) Bill  but it should be noted that the Bill has now been withdrawn.  It's worth reading it though to get a feel for the thinking. 

Which offers greater protection to freedom? A Tory Bill of Rights http://t.co/EIM8oWFT2u or the Soviet Constitution http://t.co/6GAVZvK4T8 ?
— Euro Rights Blog (@eurorights) January 2, 2014

Europe is strangling the life our of democracy says Peter Oborne - The Telegraph 2nd January.  Interesting article here, looking at how the EU has come to be a form of "rule by bureaucrats, bankers, and various kinds of unelected expert."

In advance of action by lawyers in protest at government plans to reduce fees in criminal cases, the Ministry of Justice issued some statistics.  They are considered by the Pupillage and How to Get It blog.  To my mind, it would be fairer to refer to turnover in relation to a barrister's remuneration.  In many ways, it is akin to a small self-employed business.   

Here's wishing you all a Happy and, above all, a Peaceful year.