Prison overcrowding
Independent, Evening Standard, Metro, Today’s Family Lawyer, LancsLive and Yahoo UK report that around 1,700 prisoners are set to be released today as part of the UK government’s plans to tackle overcrowding in prisons.
Law Society President Nick Emmerson said: “The early release scheme is a pragmatic response to the chronic lack of jail spaces.
“While not an ideal step to take, in view of the parlous state of our prisons, it enables more time and space for longer-term solutions to the many problems bedevilling our criminal justice system.
“It will be important to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place so that any risks to the public are minimised.
“Rebuilding the criminal justice system after decades of neglect will take years of hard work, investment and sensible reform.
“With this stabilising step, the vital rebuilding work can begin and efforts made to stem the exodus of essential professionals. The recent swift arrests and prosecutions following the riots showed the justice system to be an essential part of our society and those who work in it should be properly valued.”
In-house ethics programme
Solicitors Journal reports that the Law Society has partnered with Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre (IDEA) at the University of Leeds to create a new resource aimed at supporting in-house solicitors with ethical practice.
President Nick Emmerson said: “In-house solicitors are in a unique position, as both legal advisors and business advisors to their employers, which can often give rise to competing pressures and ethical dilemmas.”
AI regulation
Baseline Magazine reports that the UK government has taken a step towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI) by signing the Council of Europe’s AI treaty.
President Nick Emmerson said: "Signing the UK’s first treaty on the safe use of AI marks a significant milestone for the legal sector. This treaty upholds fundamental principles such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law, which must remain at the forefront and pave the way for much-needed further cooperation between states in the Council of Europe and beyond.
“While this is a promising start, it is just the beginning. It is essential that the UK takes a leading role in shaping future treaties and other international AI governance initiatives. By ensuring that AI development is responsible and remains aligned with our shared legal and ethical values, we can more safely take full advantage of the opportunities AI affords us."
Reasonable adjustments
Today’s Conveyancer reports that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new guidance to help employers understand their legal obligations and the steps they can take to support disabled employees with hybrid working.
President Nick Emmerson said: “Implementing reasonable adjustments are important for organisations, as it ensures our disabled colleagues are able to work in an environment that meets their needs.
“The Legally Disabled? research from Cardiff University and the Law Society’s Disabled Solicitors Network found clear evidence that disability has been largely overlooked when it comes to improving diversity and inclusion in the solicitors’ profession.
“We welcome the EHRC’s new guidance and resources, as it provides practical tips on what employers can do – such as identifying technology to help disabled employees work flexibly to create a working environment fit for disabled people.
“The Law Society’s guidance on reasonable adjustments and digital accessibility also provides real life examples of how law firms and in-house teams have embedded disability inclusion.”
Also worth a read:
- Many crime victims are unaware that perpetrators will be released today to ease prison overcrowding - Guardian, Times (£)
- Opinion: Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood 'I don't want to free prisoners early but this is legacy of guilty Tories' – Mirror
- Annual report finds surge in illicit drug use, self-harm and violence in England’s crowded jails – FT (£)
- Victims commissioner report uncovers the toll anti-social behaviour can take on victims - Gazette
- Asylum seeker still waits for Home Office decision after 16 years in limbo – Big Issue
- Elon Musk faces possible summons before UK parliament over role of X – FT (£)
- Bolt drivers take workers’ rights to court – Solicitors Journal
- Top EU court to rule in €13bn Apple case - Guardian
- State pension to rise by £230 per week next year – inews (£)
- Magic Circle firm sets target for 20% of future trainees to come from lower socio-economic backgrounds – Legal Cheek
- Barrister Charlotte Proudman accuses regulators of sexism – Times (£)