The Law Society’s Gazette, 26 May 1999

Solicitors attack information billSolicitors have described as ‘hopeless’ the freedom of information Bill which was published this week. Practitioners and civil libertarians expressed dismay regarding the test under which public bodies could refuse to disclose information from ‘substantial harm’ to ‘prejudice’. There was also concern that the government had added 14 more grounds for exemption from disclosure since the white paper was published. Grounds include national security, safety of the public or individual, commercial interests and law enforcement.

The Law Society’s Gazette, May 1969

The art of advocacyThere are some results flowing from the Criminal Justice Act which give cause for disquiet. One of them is to cause a decline in the art of advocacy. No longer is an advocate compelled to pull out all the stops in order to save his client from prison. The issue is almost cut and dried before he gets on his feet.

One notices, too, the number of firms who now undertake criminal cases, but the principals very rarely go into court. It is a far cry from the days when advocates in the vicinity of a magistrates' court got three guineas for a case, did the case personally and received the gratitude of the court for enabling it to discharge its function properly.

The Law Society’s Gazette, May 1919

The Society's Lectures and ClassesThe Second Term has commenced with an entry of 159 students, an increase of 71 on last Term. Among them are a considerable number of American and Australian soldiers who are making a stay in London. The Society's own students will extend a cordial welcome to their comrades from beyond the seas who have shared with them the dangers and hardships of military service; and the mingling of nationalities in lecture room, library, and social rooms can hardly fail to be productive of mutual sympathy and understanding.