uk

Civil Justice Reform Evaluation: Emerging Findings: an Early Evaluation of the Civil Justice Reforms

This paper from the Lord Chancellor's Department documents the emerging findings from the first phase of the Civil Justice Reforms, introduced in April 1999. These reforms were introduced following Lord Woolf's 'Access to Justice' report. The report discusses recent trends in litigation, the settlement and resolution of claims, trends in alternative dispute resolution, the impact of case management conferences, evidence on costs, and the views of litigants on the reforms. Many statistical tables are included.

Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Services for England and Wales

Official website for the Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Services for England and Wales. CAFCASS acts as a central co-ordinating body for groups of practitioners providing advice to courts on issues of child and family welfare. CAFCASS was established by the UK Criminal Justice and Courts Services Act 2000 as a non-departmental public body answering to the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.

Expert Witness Website

The Expert Witness website provides a searchable online directory of experts and organisations. The directory covers England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, India and South East Asia. Full entries provide information about the individual or organisation and include contact details. The directory can be searched using a simple keyword or advanced search option.

Information Commissioner's Office

The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) enforces the Data Protection Act 1998 and is also responsible for freedom of information. The main functions of the ICO are the promotion of good information handling and the encouragement of best practice in the processing of personal data. The site offers guidance to the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act with information on specific topics including medical records, CCTV, junk mail and social networking.

Family Mediators Association

A website outlining and promoting the work and services of the Family Mediators Association (FMA), a charitable organisation involved in independent family mediation in domestic disputes and divorce settlements in the United Kingdom. The site describes the foundation and history of the FMA. Background information about family mediation is provided in the form of FAQs along with a selection of practical guides to download. There is also information about collaborative law and the role of family consultants. A directory of mediators can be searched by town or postcode or browsed by region.

LawWorks

Website of LawWorks, an independent charitable association of solicitors in England and Wales dedicated to pro bono (free) legal advice: 'LawWorks' is the operating name of the Solicitors' Pro Bono Group (SPBG). The site describes the background, role and purpose of the organisation and gives details of LawWorks' projects. These include clinics providing free legal advice sessions, mediation services and free legal services aimed at the voluntary sector.

Scots Law Student Zone

A resource site containing internet links and guidance information aimed at law students in Scotland. The Zone's academic links include Law Schools in Scotland, information about the Diploma in Legal Practice and access to the site's online journal, "Scots Law Student Journal" publishing student essays and dissertations. A section of advice and tips presents guidance notes on gaining work experience, getting a traineeship and employment opportunities after studying law.

Scottish Law Online

A resource service comprising a series of complementary websites, each dedicated to Scots Law and Scottish legal issues. The component elements are: Scots Law Online Resource Centre, A-Z of the Law of Scotland, Scots Law Student Zone, Scottish Law Firm Directory, Scots Law Student Journal and the Corporate Zone providing links to company and business information. The Scots Law Online Resource Centre is a legal portal providing links to Courts, legislation, governmental sources, professional bodies, societies and universities.

Reforming the Mental Health Act : Part 2. high risk patients

Part two of a policy paper ("white paper") published by the UK Government in December 2000. Gives details of special arrangements for the small minority who pose a threat to others. Arrangements for assessment, for compulsory treatment, and the role of the new Mental Health Tribunals are described. The first part, "The new legal framework" [q.v.] deals with the proposed restructuring of the law for all mental health patients.

Bar Pro Bono Unit

Website for the Bar Pro Bono Unit, which was established to provide free legal advice and representation to those who need it. The Unit helps to put solicitors, advice agencies and members of the public in touch with barristers volunteering to give free advice, client conferences and representation in cases meeting the Unit's criteria for support. The website describes the aims and work of the Unit, with information on the sort of help provided to individuals, community groups and charities.

Subscribe to uk