![David Lester (senior partner at Blythe Liggins), Darryl Barnes, Jagdeep Sandher (head of dispute resolution at Blythe Liggins)[4]](https://d1d8vslyhr7rdg.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/4/2/8/116428_davidlesterseniorpartneratblytheligginsdarrylbarnesjagdeepsandherheadofdisputeresolutionatblytheliggins4_981603_crop.jpg)
James Morton
NewsOf alibis and advocacy
I don’t think I ever encountered a professional alibi witness, but I certainly knew a man who was a professional mitigator.
NewsBlack mark of hasty legislation
The Black Act 1723 was bad, certainly as far as the rural working classes were concerned.
NewsMagistrate with a fighting spirit
Sir Claude Champion de Crespigny Bt was, without doubt, a Renaissance man.
NewsConduct that was unbecoming
Many advocates have had to deal with difficult judges; and judges with some difficult advocates.
NewsLining up for the morning ritual
An articled clerk shares his firm's ritual for opening the post.
NewsMulling over asylum strategy
In 2002, Blair thought asylum seekers might be sent to the Isle of Mull. Sixty years ago, the same idea was mooted for top-class criminals.
NewsCautionary tales for Christmas
James Morton finds some grim seasonal episodes in the legal archives.
NewsFrom shoplifting to much worse?
Not all thieves will move on to worse, but there is sufficient evidence to show that many of them will graduate.
NewsBarrister jailed for NZ kidnap plot
In 1992, 46-year-old barrister John Burrett had not long opened chambers in Canterbury, Kent.
NewsRungs on ladder of corruption?
The path to hell is paved with good intentions. Free coffee is one step along it.
NewsBeware clients bearing gifts
I have had gifts from happy clients, but generally they have been like those borne by the Greeks.
NewsPistols at dawn for Aussie judge
Not too many High Court judges have fought duels, but Irish-born Australian Redmond Barry did.
NewsLawyers set off trigger points
British lawyers handling guns in court did rather well in the last century.
NewsKeeping schtum
Until 2022 it was over 60 years since a silk had been suspended for withholding evidence favourable to the defence.