July 2012

The “Twitter joke” trial: why on earth did the DPP pursue this case?

July 27, 2012

Today’s judgment in the “Twitter joke” trial appeal is an important victory for Paul Chambers, who can now move forward with his life as a man of good character. The legal system has wronged him; but now at least that wrong has been put to an end, and corrected to some extent. It’s a victory [...]

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“Twitter joke” appeal: interview with Paul Chambers’s legal team

July 27, 2012

Following today’s judgment in the “Twitter joke” trial appeal, I spoke to Paul Chambers’s legal team: David Allen Green, Sarah Przybylska and John Cooper QC. I ask about their reactions to the case, and how clear they think the ruling is. It’s worth listening to for David Allen Green’s view on the decision of the [...]

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“Twitter joke” appeal: interview with Louise Mensch MP

July 27, 2012

Louise Mensch MP was at the Royal Courts of Justice today to hear the outcome of the “Twitter joke” appeal – and I spoke to her briefly afterwards. She says the CPS owes Paul Chambers and apology, and Parliament an explanation for what happened in this case.

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Chambers v DPP: the judgment

July 27, 2012

Here’s the judgment in today’s “Twitter joke” trial appeal. If you read in the viewer below, or click through the the document, you’ll see my comments highlighted at various points in the judgment. Chambers v DPP (PDF) Chambers v DPP (Text)

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The “Twitter joke” appeal: victory for Paul Chambers

July 27, 2012

Paul Chambers’s appeal was successful this morning in his appeal against conviction for sending a menacing tweet under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, in the case known as the “Twitter joke trial” appeal. I’ll post the judgment as soon as I can. In the meantime, Paul Chambers and his legal team spoke to [...]

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Charon QC podcast: the new Supreme Court president, and House of Lords reform

July 13, 2012

Yesterday I spoke to Charon QC about Lord Neuberger’s appointment as President of the Supreme Court – explaining why I welcome his appointment and why I’d have been concerned had Lady Hale been chosen – and about the House of Lords Reform Bill and the second reading in the Commons this week. Listen to the [...]

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“It’s make or break for the criminal bar”: interview with John Cooper QC

July 11, 2012

I spoke to John Cooper QC today at his chambers to ask him why he’s standing for Vice-Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, and why in his manifesto he raises the prospect of potential industrial action by barristers in response to government policies on criminal legal aid. It’s an extended interview in which he talks [...]

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