MoJ tackles jurisdiction law

The Ministry of Justice has proposed tightening the law on ‘universal jurisdiction’, which allows anyone to apply for a UK arrest warrant in relation to certain serious crimes committed abroad by foreign nationals, based on ‘flimsy’ evidence. It said the law had been used to embarrass foreign dignitaries.

‘Tesco Law’ boost
‘Tesco Law’ will bring more work for high street and other firms as the big brands educate the public that they need to make a will, according to research by the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (see news story).

Jail terms ‘cut on appeal’
A growing proportion of prison sentences are being reduced on appeal, according to data from legal publisher Sweet & Maxwell. It said 75% of appeals resulted in reduced sentences in 2008, compared with 70% in 2004.

BPP awarded uni status
BPP College of Professional Studies has become the first private institution to be awarded university status since 1976.

Rape anonymity dropped
The government has dropped plans to give anonymity to men accused of rape and will instead negotiate with the Press Complaints Commission to prevent the media from naming suspects.

China death penalty review
China is to review the 68 crimes that carry the death penalty, according to reports. Miscarriage of justice claims have soared since lower courts were given the right to approve capital punishment in the 1980s.