Legal Services
RAISSI RULING
A British-based Algerian pilot arrested in the UK in connection with the 9/11 terror attack in the US has had his name cleared by the Court of Appeal and could be in line for a multi-million pound compensation payout. Lotfi Raissi was arrested at his home soon after the attack. He was released after a week but re-arrested under an extradition warrant issued at the request of the US government. He was finally released after no evidence was put before a court to back the allegations. The Court of Appeal has ordered the Home Office to reconsider its decision not to compensate him.
DISABILITY SURVEY
Disabled people are reaping the rewards of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, a new survey reveals. The research, which uses data from the disability module of the Office for National Statistics Omnibus Survey between 1996 and 2006, looks at: the awareness of the Act; access to goods and services; access to transport; and renting or buying a home. It shows that over 70% of people are aware of the Act by name, compared to only 40% in 1996. Over 75% of disabled people reported no problems using public transport and 79% of disabled people in paid work had no trouble accessing goods and services, compared to 59% of those not in paid work.
BANK PROTOCOL
A protocol of procedures to clarify and speed up the estate administration process has been agreed by the Law Society and Lloyds TSB. It aims to address the problems solicitors have experienced in relation to assets held by banks. The protocol sets out the information that Lloyds TSB will require from the solicitor/Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners member on first contact or shortly afterwards. If this information is provided, it says, delays in dealing with the account or investments will be reduced. Further protocols with other banks will follow. The protocol is at www.lawsociety.org.uk.
