A group of researchers at the University of Sussex are interested in understanding legally trained perspectives on sentencing. They would like to invite you to take part in a short (less than 20-minute) study to advance our understanding of sentencing decision-making....
News Archive
CLSA Conference & AGM 2025 – Friday 3rd October – Manchester at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Book here Don’t Look Back in Anger: A Focus on the Future of Criminal Justice In a city where music shaped a generation and courtrooms have shaped the law, we gather to explore what lies ahead for criminal justice. This year’s CLSA Conference carries the...
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is undertaking research into how solicitors find and recommend barristers
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is undertaking research into how solicitors find and recommend barristers, the factors that influence their choices, and how they work with barristers following a client referral. The research is being delivered independently by the...
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and untimely passing of committee member and colleague Simon King
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and untimely passing of committee member and colleague Simon King. Simon joined the CLSA committee in 2017 and throughout his time with us was a voice of reasoned arguments, considered views and strong intellect. He...
Participants needed by the University of Sussex – Understanding sentencing decision making
INFORMATION & CONSENT SHEET You are being invited to take part in a research study to further our understanding of sentencing decision-making. Thank you for carefully reading this information sheet, a copy of which you can keep for your records. This study is...
Sentencing Council: Publication of revised definitive Imposition of community and custodial sentences guideline
The Sentencing Council has today published a significantly revised Imposition of community and custodial sentences guideline. This can be found here on our website. The Imposition guideline is one of the most important of all the Sentencing Council’s guidelines. It...
Sentencing Council: Publication of new and revised motoring-related guidelines
The Sentencing Council has published a package of new and revised motoring-related guidelines. These can be found here alongside the consultation response document, which sets out the changes the Council has made to the draft guidelines it consulted on in 2024. The...
New sentencing guidelines for blackmail, kidnap and false imprisonment offences
The independent Sentencing Council has published two new guidelines for sentencing offenders convicted of blackmail, kidnap or false imprisonment. The new guidelines are the first for these offences. They have been developed through consultation to help judges...
CLSA Leveson submission
You can read the CLSA submission here and the CLSA Pilot Paper here
Sentencing Council: Publication of definitive sentencing guideline for offences of strangulation and suffocation
The Sentencing Council has published, in accordance with section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, a sentencing guideline for offences of strangulation and suffocation which will come into effect on 1 January 2025. This follows a consultation which took place...
Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board (CLAAB) annual report 2024
Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board (CLAAB) annual report 2024 This is the first CLAAB annual report, prepared by the Chair and independent members of the CLAAB, and presented to the Lord Chancellor. The report sets out the CLAAB’s view of the criminal legal aid system...
£24 million boost for criminal legal aid to support most vulnerable
Ministry of Justice, Legal Aid Agency and The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP - Published 14 November 2024 Criminal legal aid will be bolstered by £24 million, as part of government work to tackle crisis in the justice system and keep courts running • additional funding for...
Domestic Abuse Protection Order pilot – updated guidance and upcoming training event
Dear all Please find here Guidance for legal practitioners on DAPO pilot - October 2024, and a Letter to legal profession bodies - DAPO pilot - October 2024 with details of the training event on 11 November, 12:30 – 14:00. As always, we would be extremely grateful if...
Renew your Court ID card – 2024
If you have already obtained your Court ID Card which is due to expire on the 1st December 2024 you can renew it here
Letter Backed by 119 Criminal Law Firms to Justice Secretary
A coalition of 119 criminal law firms has cautioned the government against interpreting their submission of applications for the new legal aid contract as a genuine intent to sign it. In a letter endorsed by some 119 prominent figures in the sector, the firms informed...
Richard Atkinson – CLSA conference speech Friday 4th Octbober 2024
Richard Atkinson speech to CLSA conference
CLSA CONFERENCE – SOLD OUT
CLSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & AGM – FRIDAY 4th OCTOBER 2024 As we head in the week of our conference we wanted to set out some final details. Registration starts at 9:30 on Friday 4th October, and we aim to finish out packed programme by 4:30pm We are now SOLD OUT...
New Crime Contract has now opened
As many of you will have seen the tender process for new Crime Contract has now opened. This new contract is loosely based on the 2017 contract but there are significant differences, not least of which is the fact the contract is a much longer 10 year commitment...
Sentencing Council consults on miscellaneous amendments to sentencing guidelines
The Sentencing Council’s fourth annual consultation on miscellaneous amendments to guidelines opens today. The Council is proposing a series of changes designed to bring greater clarity and consistency to guidelines and reflect developments in legislation. The...
Police Federation open letter voices concerns over Early Dawn
Section 46 PACE_Open Letter to NPCC