Party manifestos are probably the most unread of documents. The major upheaval in political campaigning brought about by the three TV debates between the major party leaders could even render them redundant for future elections. In the meantime, it is not without interest to compare the three main manifestos for what they have to say about crime and justice. Read the full story

Criminal firms have seen the introduction of fixed fee schemes for police work and a standard fee system in magistrates courts following a review of legal services by Lord Carter three years ago. Now the consultations on proposals for competitive tendering by criminal defence work firms have come to an end, Read the full story

It is always an event when the Lord Chief Justice reveals his views on the judicial system and so it was when the new holder of the office, Lord Judge of Draycote, addressed the University of Hertfordshire on 4 November. Read the full story

Conditional Fee Agreements, also known as ‘no win, no fee’, are alternative methods of funding litigation, introduced widely in 2000 when legal aid for personal injury claims was axed. In this type of funding the solicitors share the risk in that if a case is lost the solicitor will not be paid but if the case is won the solicitor will charge a success fee. Read the full story

Ask returning holiday makers how things went and they usually respond in superlatives. It is only later that you hear about the airport delays or poor food or upset stomachs or ghastly weather or other matters which reduce the holiday experience to, like most things in life, no more than reasonably satisfying. Read the full story

The Ministry of Justice has announced that the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill received Royal Assent on 8 May. The first provisions (in relation to dangerous offenders) are expected to come in to force in July.

The Act will: Read the full story