Issue: Vol 160, Issue 7406

Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes (Prescribed Descriptions of Arrangements) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/407)

Former head of Morgan Crucible, Ian Norris has lost his appeal against extradition to the US over charges of obstructing justice.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced its “ground breaking global agreement” with British Aerospace (BAe) earlier this month. Under its terms, the company will pay £30m in return for the SFO terminating its prolonged investigation of it for overseas corruption.

In the few weeks since publication of Sir Rupert Jackson’s final report last month, the most talked about of his recommendations has been the proposal to abolish the ability to recover success fees and after the event (ATE) insurance premiums from the losing party. The reactions have ranged from outraged cries that access to justice will be stifled, through a broad welcome from those who have to pay them now, to the ostrich-like assumption that the primary legislation needed will never happen.

The General Council of the Bar has publicised the possibility of litigation against the government and the Legal Services Commission.

David Tyme reports on a clash of personal belief & official duty

Jonathan Herring claims that it’s a divorce lawyer’s world

Catherine Rawlin examines the links between business valuations & divorce

Steven Lynch traces trends in personal injury disposal hearings

Lesley Hughes confirms why the courts won’t sanction the invention of a special purchaser