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25 February 2016 / Dominic Regan
Issue: 7688 / Categories: Opinion , Costs , Budgeting
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Perception matters

Jackson: Dominic Regan returns to set the record straight

Last week I faithfully recounted the objections voiced to me by practitioners about the latest Jackson reform proposals (see “Is Jackson's legacy under pressure?”). The core recommendation was a fixed costs regime applicable across the board in cases worth up to £250,000. Since I wrote that article I have received information and representations from a variety of sources, including members of the judiciary, which cast a different light upon common perceptions. Sir Rupert, quite rightly, remains aloof from the current arguments.

Practicalities

On a practical note, it is evident that nothing will change this year. The involvement of Mr Gove in the referendum campaign will be a major distraction for him. Soundings and consultation are recognised as a pre-requisite of change on this scale.

Independence

Anyone who thought that Lord Justice Jackson was speaking on behalf of the government is wrong. He is utterly independent. This was the judge brave enough in the 2015 Mustill Lecture to overtly criticise the government for failing

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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