Children and the Law - Car Safety
Up until a child reaches the age of 12, or 135 cm, a child must use a booster or car seat, when a child is not required to use a car seat or booster they must, ..link
The rule against double jeopardy has been a fundamental part of criminal law in England and Wales for centuries. But what exactly does it entail, and how has it evolved?
1. What Is Double Jeopardy?
o The principle of double jeopardy states that once a person has been acquitted (found not guilty) of a crime, they cannot be tried again for the same offense.
o In other words, if you’ve faced trial and received an acquittal, you’re protected from being prosecuted a second time—even if new evidence emerges or you later confess.
2. Historical Context:
o For around 800 years, this principle stood firm, preventing retrials for the same offense.
o The common law upheld two related principles:
- Autrefois acquit: A bar to retrial after acquittal.
- Autrefois convict: A similar bar after conviction.
o Courts considered it an abuse of process to bring additional charges for different offenses arising from the same behavior or facts.
3. Reform in 2003:
o The Criminal Justice Act 2003 introduced significant changes.
o Part 10 of the Act permits retrials in cases of very serious offenses where:
- There has been an acquittal in court.
- New and compelling evidence subsequently comes to light, indicating the acquitted person’s guilt.
Examples of such evidence include DNA or fingerprint tests or new witnesses
4. How It Works Now:
o The Court of Appeal can now quash an acquittal and order a retrial when compelling new evidence emerges.
o This reform allows justice to prevail in cases where the original acquittal was based on incomplete information.
o Retrials are limited to serious offenses, including murder.
In summary, while the historical principle of double jeopardy remains significant, the 2003 reform enables retrials in exceptional circumstances. The scales balance between finality and the pursuit of truth.
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkUp until a child reaches the age of 12, or 135 cm, a child must use a booster or car seat, when a child is not required to use a car seat or booster they must, ..link
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year, what are they and do they work?..link
Social workers could face up to five years in jail should they prove guilty of wilful neglect towards children, if consultation decides to extend the law to inc..link
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkPolice cautions and warnings are the same and can be issued to anyone over the age of ten for minor offences, whilst this does not count as a conviction it can ..link
Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...link
The law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review...link
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkThere is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if ..link
The domestic violence disclosure scheme named after domestic violence victim Clare Wood has been brought in throughout England and Wales. If you feel you could ..link
Computer and IT Law.
Computer Law is concerned with controlling and securing information stored on and transmitted between computers. Computer networks contain..link
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