April
Process announced for appointment of new Lord Chief Justice
24 April 2008
The process for appointing the next Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales has been announced. The current Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, has been appointed as the Senior Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, and takes up the position on 1 October 2008.
Jack Straw appoints first chair of Legal Services Board
23 April 2008
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw, has announced the appointment of David Edmonds as the first chair of the Legal Services Board, following consultation with the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.
Consultation launched on delivering effective services to turn offenders away from crime
09 April 2008
A consultation on a new drive to reduce reoffending has been launched to establish how Probation Boards and Trusts will provide the most cost-effective route to help rehabilitate and punish offenders.
UK leads the way in first review by UN Human Rights Council
08 April 2008
The UK's record on human rights is in the spotlight this week as it becomes one of 16 countries taking part in the first ever Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
More than 450,000 new voters registered
07 April 2008
New figures show nearly half a million extra people in the United Kingdom have signed up for May's elections.
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act comes into force
04 April 2008
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act comes into force this weekend (6 April).
Legal aid providers given certainty and stability for the future
02 April 2008
The Legal Services Commission, Law Society and Ministry of Justice have announced they have reached agreement on the best way forward following the Court of Appeal's judgment on the Unified Contract.
'Rome I - Should the UK opt in?' consultation announced
02 April 2008
The government has announced proposals designed to protect the interests of UK businesses operating in Europe.
Government announces a new tranche of specialist domestic violence court systems
02 April 2008
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the victims of domestic violence with the announcement of more than 34 new specialist domestic violence court systems across England and Wales.
Improving child care proceedings
01 April 2008
The government has introduced new processes to put the welfare of children at the heart of care proceedings.
Straw confirms expansion of dedicated drugs courts
01 April 2008
Jack Straw has confirmed that drug courts, dedicated to tackling drug misuse and related crime, are to be extended to up to four more magistrates' courts.
Probation trusts launched to find the best route to reduce reoffending
01 April 2008
Six new probation trusts have started work as part of the government's drive to further reduce reoffending and increase protection for the public.