The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
Draft Victims Bill
The Government published a Draft Victims Bill on 25 May 2022.This briefing provides background to victims policy, the development of the draft Bill, and an overview of its content.
Supreme Court judgment on Scottish independence referendum
In a unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court has ruled that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to legislate for a referendum on Scottish independence. This Insight looks at the Court’s judgment, the legal issues involved and what might happen next.
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Research Briefing
Hate Crime Statistics
This briefing paper looks at Hate Crime in England & Wales using figures provided by the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) and the Police Recorded Crime Series. The paper also presents data on hate crime rates per 100,000 population in each police force area and for each hate crime strand. It also looks at similar figures in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The tables that accompany the briefing paper are currently being updated.
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Insight
Two new UK Supreme Court justices
How are UK Supreme Court justices appointed and who are the new justices?
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Insight
What happens when a devolved bill is referred to the UK Supreme Court?
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill (Northern Ireland) has been referred to the UK Supreme Court. We explain why, and how a bill reference works.
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Research Briefing
The UK Supreme Court
Learn more about the UK Supreme Court, how it came into existence, and why it replaced the House of Lords as the UK's highest court.
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Debate Pack
Sentencing of repeat offenders
A debate on the sentencing of repeat offenders will take place in Westminster Hall scheduled for Tuesday 21st June 2022, from 2:30pm. Grahame Morris MP will open the debate.
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Research Briefing
The Government’s judicial review reforms and the Judicial Review and Courts Bill
The House of Lords has proposed changes to the Government's judicial review reforms. MPs will consider them on Tuesday 26 April 2022.
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Debate Pack
Role of British and overseas judges in Hong Kong
A Westminster Hall debate on the role of British and overseas judges in Hong Kong is scheduled for Wednesday 30 March 2022, from 9.30-11.00am. The debate will be led by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP.
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Debate Pack
Legal aid in the North West
A debate on legal aid in the north west of England will take place in Westminster Hall scheduled for Tuesday 22 February 2022, from 2:30pm. Rebecca Long-Bailey MP will open the debate.
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Debate Pack
Lawfare and the UK Court System
A backbench business debate on lawfare and 'SLAPP' suits in the UK court system will take place in the House of Common's Chamber scheduled for Thursday 20 January 2022. David Davis and Liam Byrne MPs will open the debate.
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Research Briefing
A short guide to the criminal justice system
This Library Briefing provides information on the system for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases. It outlines each stage of the process up to the point of conviction and provides information for Members with constituents going through the criminal justice system.
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Research Briefing
Court statistics for England and Wales
A guide to statistics on criminal and civil courts and tribunals, covering caseload, backlogs, performance, court closures and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Insight
40 years since court case led to reform of same-sex laws in Northern Ireland
After five years of litigation, in October 1981 the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Jeffrey Dudgeon's right to a private life had been breached.
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