The two words “hate crime” are often heard in the current climate - in the press, in the judicial system, and in our societies generally. Anyone may be a victim of a hate crime. In light of Pride Week, this article briefly looks at what hate crime is, and how it is dealt with in the criminal justice system.

As of 13 March 2014, pursuant to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, same-sex marriage became legal in the UK.  Before this, the only way same-sex couples had legal recognition of their relationship was through a civil partnership. The passing of this legislation also enabled same-sex couples to convert their civil partnership into marriage. The UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) published that, since the introduction of same-sex marriage in the UK in 2014, there have been more marriages among female same-sex couples each year, than male same-sex couples.

We have seen a recent rise in Will Writers offering cheaply prepared Wills online, and more and more people are taking matters into their own hands by preparing their own DIY Wills. 

An article has been published by the Law Gazette highlighting the increase in disputes that were heard in the High Court from 227 in 2018 to 368 in 2019, this is largely due to poorly prepared Wills.

The Trades Union Congress (“TUC”) has done a recent survey on the topic of harassment of LGBT people in the workplace. From the population of approximately one thousand people canvassed, 68% said they had been subjected to at least one type of sexual harassment at work, of which 70% stated that the most recent incident of unwanted sexual behaviour at work had been from a colleague, and 12% stating that they had been harassed by their direct manager or another manager.

With the government’s recent announcement that Section 21 notices are to be abolished, it is important to take action sooner rather than later if you are a landlord looking to recover possession of your property.

However, many landlords are concerned that they will be accused of carrying out a retaliatory eviction if they serve a Section 21 notice, and their possession claim will fail if the tenant defends it on this basis.

The recent administration of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group Limited and other associated companies will lead sadly to 1,000 jobs being lost.

The administration of any business raises significant concerns for employees who may find themselves at risk of redundancy and/or unable to recover sums due to them from their employer.

In the case of an administration (rather than a compulsory or creditors’ voluntary liquidation where the legal position may be different), the appointment of an administrator does not automatically terminate a contract of employment.

A consultation was launched by the Sentencing Council on 9th April 2019 which is due to conclude on 9th July 2019.

The Council is an independent body with responsibility for establishing guidelines for criminal courts to apply when sentencing convicted defendants. It has developed draft guidelines to assist courts in applying a consistent approach in dealing with offenders with mental health conditions, neurological impairments or developmental disorders.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, James Brokenshire, has announced plans to abolish Section 21 Notices. This could have far-reaching consequences for landlords wanting to recover possession of their properties.

As most landlords know, Section 21 is the route by which a tenant can be evicted without having to give a reason – the ‘no-fault’ Notice. It is most commonly used where a landlord wants to sell their property.

Mr Brokenshire’s press release states: