Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers
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Now online, free to view: GCN Webinar – The right to a fair trial in the age of the Coronavirus

24 April 2020

On 16 March 2020 Justice Minister Chris Philip announced that Courts would continue to operate normally despite the pandemic. On 17 March Lord Chief Justice Burnett echoed much of the legal profession when he said that it was not realistic to suppose that it will be business as usual in any jurisdiction. The subsequent days and weeks have proved him right.

The announcement ending jury trials on 23 March 2020 ushered in a brave new world of hearings via Skype and associated legal powers under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

But where does all this leave defendants and their right to a fair trial? Can their rights really be upheld via video link? Where are we heading and what are the pitfalls? Are there any positive practices we can salvage from this time of crisis?

Please enjoy our webinar discussion of these fundamental questions and the future of the right to a fair trial in these troubled times, presented by our barristers Clare Ashcroft and Richard Brigden, and pupil barristers Christian Weaver and Mira Hammad.

News

Garden Court North’s Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin represented two co-defendants at Newcastle Crown Court (pictured) during an eight-day jury trial. Credit: Duncan Andison / Shutterstock.

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Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin’s protest clients avoid custodial sentence as judge refuses restraining order

Garden Court North’s Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin represented two co-defendants charged following a protest at an Israeli-owned factory.

Garden Court North’s Christian Weaver represented Brooke’s father, Mr Lee Wiggins, during the inquest at South London Coroner’s Court (pictured). Credit: Glen Berlin / Shutterstock.

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Inquest into death of Brooke Wiggins hears “lack of public awareness” around dangers of rope swings

Garden Court North’s Christian Weaver represented Brooke’s father during the inquest at South London Coroner’s Court.

MI5 officials ran a false narrative lacking any candour during the inquiry into Manchester Arena bombing, which tragically killed 22 victims (pictured). Credit: Handout.

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A Duty of Candour is desperately needed. Ten years on, why is Hillsborough Law stalled?

The false narrative run by MI5 officials during the inquiry into Manchester Arena bombing epitomises the need for a full duty of candour.

Rajiv Menon KC (pictured). Credit: Garden Court Chambers.

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Garden Court North stands in solidarity with Rajiv Menon KC as he faces prosecution for contempt of court

Rajiv Menon KC faces prosecution for contempt of court in the closing speech he delivered to a jury when defending pro-Palestine protesters.