Practitioners, professionals, families with loved ones in the system and those supporting people who may be deprived of their liberty have all been working through the practical implications of the Supreme Court’s decision and judgement in The Attorney General for Northern Ireland’s Reference (Deprivation of Liberty) [2026] UKSC 16 over the last couple of months. […]
Read More… from The First Reported Judgment After the Supreme Court’s Decision in AGNI
The Legal 500 has published its United Kingdom 2026 edition of the best law firms. We are proud to share that Reeds Solicitors remain a Top Tier UK law firm. We’ve made even more improvements this past year, reinforcing our status as one of the best law firms in the country. What is the Legal […]
Read More… from Reeds Remain a Top Law Firm in Legal 500 2026
Some motorists may be tempted to provide false information on a section 172 notice following a speeding offence, particularly where the penalty points would result in a six-month “totting-up” disqualification. In some cases, a friend or family member is persuaded to “take” the points by falsely claiming to have been driving. Recent years have also […]
If you are pulled over by the police and asked to provide a specimen of breath, it is important to understand your rights and whether you can refuse. During Christmas and other festive periods, the police often set up roadside checkpoints and stop large numbers of vehicles, even where the driver has done nothing wrong. […]
Read More… from Can You Refuse a Police Breathalyser? Know Your Rights
First published in nhsManagers Briefing At a time when NHS services are under unprecedented pressure and social care is expected to play a greater role in supporting hospital discharge, community care and preventative healthcare, workforce policy must be driven by operational reality rather than political aspiration. Recent figures highlighted by UNISON paint a stark picture. […]
Read More… from Immigration Reform and the Social Care Workforce: Challenges to come?
We have represented many clients who have faced the stress of being arrested by the police despite lawfully defending themselves during a confrontation. The early direction of a police investigation is often influenced by who called the police first and the assumptions made by officers attending the scene. These assumptions can be made particularly quickly […]
Read More… from Self-Defence in Assault Cases: The Law on Reasonable Force
E-scooters are now a common sight on our pavements and roads but, despite their popularity, there is still widespread misunderstanding about their legal status. As a result, many people are shocked to find themselves facing prosecution after riding what they believed was little more than a toy. The starting point is to distinguish between e-scooters […]
Read More… from Are E-Scooters Legal in the UK? The Law Explained
Practitioners, professionals, families with loved ones in the system and those supporting people who may be deprived of their liberty have all been working through the practical implications of the Supreme Court’s decision and judgement in The Attorney General for Northern Ireland’s Reference (Deprivation of Liberty) [2026] UKSC 16 over the last couple of months. […]
Read More… from The First Reported Judgment After the Supreme Court’s Decision in AGNI
The last five years have seen an explosion in the number of complaints of sexual misconduct between university students. A reported student will usually receive an email saying that a complaint has been made and quickly find themselves the subject of “precautionary measures”, an investigation conducted by someone appointed by the university and, often, a […]
Read More… from Accused of Rape at University: What You Need to Know
For decades, family lawyers have warned about the risks faced by couples who live together without marrying or entering into a civil partnership. Despite the widespread belief in the concept of a “common law marriage”, no such legal status exists in England and Wales. As a result, many separating cohabitants are surprised to discover how […]
Read More… from Cohabitation Reform: What It Means for Unmarried Couples
Until recently, driverless cars felt like something from science fiction. Pilot schemes in locations such as Milton Keynes showed that the technology was moving closer to becoming a reality on UK roads. Now, in September 2026, London’s first self-driving taxis have become available to passengers through the Uber app. The initial Wayve rollout is limited […]
Read More… from London’s First Self-Driving Taxis: Who Is Criminally Liable?
Many people assume that once a complainant withdraws their allegation, the case will simply come to an end by “dropping the charges”. That is often not what happens. Every year, defendants are convicted despite the complainant refusing to support the prosecution. Although the complainant’s wishes are an important consideration, they are only one of the […]
Read More… from Can I still be Prosecuted if the complainant withdraws?
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is often one of the most significant consequences of a conviction for making or distributing indecent images of children. While much attention understandably focuses on the sentence itself, the restrictions imposed by a SHPO can continue to affect employment, family life, relationships and everyday activities for many years after […]
Read More… from Challenging Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) in Indecent Images Cases
Any serious road traffic accident that results in significant injury will involve a detailed police investigation. Suspects are usually told that they are under investigation for both careless and dangerous driving. If a serious injury has occurred, many people assume that a prosecution for dangerous driving is almost inevitable. In reality, that is not how […]
Read More… from Careless v Dangerous Driving – Why Initial Assumptions Are Often Wrong
Obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is a significant step for anyone seeking legal recognition of their affirmed gender in the UK. Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or single, the process carries important legal consequences that are worth understanding before you begin. This article explains the difference between informally changing your gender […]
Read More… from Gender Recognition Certificate and Divorce: Understanding the Legal Implications
The recent inquest into the death of former Scotland and Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen has marked a significant moment in the recognition of brain injury risks within football. The coroner concluded that repeated heading of the ball likely contributed to the chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which was a major factor in Mr McQueen’s deterioration […]
Read More… from Heading the Ball and the Law: What the Gordon McQueen Inquest means for sport
So you have pleaded not guilty and are now facing a trial in the Magistrates’ Court. For many people, the prospect of giving evidence, being cross-examined and waiting for a verdict is unfamiliar and daunting. Understanding the court process is important, but so too is understanding what can make a difference to the outcome. A […]
Read More… from What Happens at a Magistrates’ Court Trial – And What Can Influence the Verdict?
Changing your name can be one of the most significant steps in rebuilding your future. But if you have a criminal conviction, understanding the name change requirements that apply to you is essential before you take that step. For many individuals, particularly those in custody or transitioning back into the community – it represents far […]
Read More… from Name Change Requirements: Navigating Section 83A and the Future of Name Changes
If you have been arrested by Greater Manchester Police in connection with a sexual offence allegation – or received an invitation to attend a voluntary interview – you are probably looking for answers. This article sets out what GMP’s current investigative focus means in practice, and what you need to understand about your position. Greater […]
Read More… from Operation Luka & Beyond: GMP’s Focus on Sexual Offence Investigations in Manchester
How many times have we heard victims of abuse tell us they wanted to say “no” but just could not do so. Feeling unable to say “no” is one of the clearest yet overlooked indicators of coercive or controlling behaviour in intimate relationships. Domestic abuse is not always loud, clearly visible, or even physical. Sometimes, […]
Receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) after an alleged driving offence can be stressful and confusing, particularly where there are questions about the 14 day rule, company vehicles, or who was driving at the time. This guide answers some of the most common questions people ask about NIPs and section 172 notices. What is […]
Read More… from Notice of Intended Prosecution for a Driving Offence – Common Questions Explained
Reforms brought in under Operation Soteria have significantly changed the way rape and serious sexual offences are investigated across England and Wales. A “victim-centred” culture is promoted, with reduced early scrutiny of the complainant’s credibility. For someone who strongly denies an allegation, that shift is concerning. The credibility of the complainant’s account, including the timing […]
Read More… from Under Investigation for a Sexual Offence – Mistakes to Avoid