Re T (A Child: Refusal of Adoption Order) [2020] (EWCA Civ 797)

by Guest Post | Jul 31, 2020 | Analysis, Cases, Explanation, FCReportingWatch

This is a guest post by Jessica Smith. Jessica is a Trainee Solicitor due to qualify in September 2020 and is aspiring to be a Family Solicitor. She tweets as @JessicaLSmith__ In the recent case of Re T (A Child: Refusal of Adoption Order) [2020] (EWCA Civ 797), the...

Recusal refusal: judge declines to step down in response to litigant’s suspicions of apparent bias

by Paul M | Jul 17, 2020 | Cases, Comment, Explanation

In an earlier post we described how a judge refused to allow a McKenzie Friend to speak in court on behalf of a litigant in person. In a further judgment in the same case, Ameyaw v McGoldrick [2020] EWHC 1787 (QB), Mrs Justice Steyn refused the litigant’s application...

WHO DECIDES WHO DECIDES? WITHDRAWAL OF CARE PROCEEDINGS

by Guest Post | Jul 14, 2020 | Analysis, Cases, Explanation, FCReportingWatch

This is a guest post by Laura Vickers. Laura is a specialist children law barrister and mediator practising at No5 Barristers’ Chambers. She tweets as @LauraVickersNo5 Where a local authority determines that the medical evidence falls short of proving that...

The family court and vulnerable people

by Jack Harrison | Jul 11, 2020 | Cases, Explanation, FCReportingWatch

What approach should the family court adopt when dealing with vulnerable people and those with disabilities?  Judges and magistrates of the family court deal with some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Quite often, people will find it difficult to...

Right of audience denied: McKenzie Friend not allowed to speak for litigant who was ‘well able to speak on her own behalf’

by Paul M | Jul 5, 2020 | Cases, Comment, Explanation

The recent case of Ameyaw v McGoldrick [2020] EWHC 1741 (QB) offers a cautionary tale about McKenzie Friends and what they can and can’t do for you in court. In this case the judge, Mrs Justice Steyn, refused to allow the MF to make oral submissions on behalf of...

A triad of judgments from the Supreme Court

by Polly Morgan | Jul 1, 2020 | Cases, Explanation, FCReportingWatch

This post provides an update to Polly Morgan’s ‘State of the Union’ post, which outlined the Villiers’ case when it was first heard. We suggest you read that original post first, because the facts and the legal concepts are explained more fully...