Author: Dom Watts

Dom Watts founded the Ministry of Injustice in July 2021. Dom is an IT Professional with 30+ years experience in Tier 1 Banking, Government, Defence, Healthcare and Global Blue Chips. Dom has no legal training and is not a lawyer but has previously consulted for a Magic Circle Law Firm. You can find Dom on X or Google.

Dom Watts publishes the Ministry of Injustice as a citizen journalist. The journalism exemption is detailed in the Data protection and journalism code of practice published by the ICO and Section 124 of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Section 2 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of truth. Section 3 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of honest opinion. Section 4 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of public interest. Section 8 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the single publication rule.

Section 4a of The Limitation Act 1980 defines the time limit for actions for defamation or malicious falsehood as one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.

Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 gives the right to freedom of expression. "This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers."

"Free speech encompasses the right to offend, and indeed to abuse another." - Para 43 Scottow v CPS [2020] EWHC 3421 (Admin)

"Free speech is a fundamental common law right" - Para 21 R v Shayler [2002] UKHL 11 [2003] 1 AC 247 per Lord Bingham and Para 42 Phillips -v- Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs [2024] EWHC 32 (Admin)

Dom is a member of The Free Speech Union

“A key issue here is the need to distinguish between conduct which, however objectionable, does not justify invoking the criminal law and conduct which crosses the line and results in criminal liability" - Para 31 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

“Harassment is generally understood to involve improper oppressive and unreasonable conduct that is targeted at an individual and calculated to produce alarm and distress” - Para 38 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

"The behaviour said to amount to harassment must reach a level of seriousness passing beyond irritations, annoyances....The gravity of the misconduct must be of an order which would sustain criminal liability" - Paras [40-44] Hayden v Dickenson [2020] EWHC 3291 (QB)

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything"

In 2002 Dom Watts was an unlikely consumer champion. The dad of three from Croydon took on the power and might of Kodak – and won...Dom on BBC Working Lunch

Categories
Law Legal Analysis

What are Letters Patent ?

Letters Patent

Letters patent are a legal document authorised by the king, usually on ministerial advice. Letters patent can make public appointments, confer honours, grant city status or signify Royal Assent to legislation.

On the 3rd November 2025, King Charles III issued a Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, formally removing the titles from his brother formerly known as Prince Andrew to simply Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of ‘Royal Highness’ and the titular dignity of ‘Prince’.”

The Gazette – Letters Patent published 5th November 2025
King Charles Letters Patent – Andrew Mountbatten WindsorDownload

Definition and Core Characteristics

Letters Patent are open letters from the Sovereign, addressed to all subjects rather than a specific individual. The term derives from the Latin litterae patentes, meaning “open letters” reflecting their public nature when they were historically unfurled for proclamation, contrasting with sealed “Letters Close” intended for private recipients.

Issued under the Great Seal, which is affixed by the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery at the House of Lords, these documents confer rights, privileges, or offices. They do not require parliamentary approval for most purposes, embodying the royal prerogative.

Examples include the appointment of bishops, the establishment of universities, or the elevation of individuals to the peerage.

Historical Context

The use of Letters Patent dates to the medieval period, when monarchs relied on them to delegate authority amid a growing realm. Early instances include Henry III’s grants in the 13th century. By the Tudor era, they facilitated explorations, such as Queen Elizabeth I’s 1578 patent to Sir Humphrey Gilbert for North American colonisation.

Over centuries, their scope expanded and contracted with political shifts. The Bill of Rights 1689 curtailed certain prerogatives, yet Letters Patent endured for non-legislative acts. Notable 19th- and 20th-century examples include the creation of life peerages under the Life Peerages Act 1958, which modernised the House of Lords without abolishing hereditary titles.

Modern Applications

Today, Letters Patent retain practical utility across several domains:

  • Peerages and Honours: Most new peers are created via Letters Patent, as seen in appointments to the Lords. Hereditary peerages, though rare post-1999 reforms, follow the same process.
  • Royal Charters: Corporations, universities, and professional bodies—such as the BBC or the University of Manchester—receive charters via Letters Patent, granting legal personality and privileges.
  • Ecclesiastical and Judicial Appointments: Bishops’ elections are confirmed through this mechanism, while certain judges and officials are installed similarly.
  • Territorial and International Matters: They proclaim changes to Crown dependencies or issue passports in the Sovereign’s name.

Parliament and Legislation

According to What are letters patent ? published on the House of Commons website on the 15th September 2025, Letters patent are classed as primary legislation

Acts of Parliament are primary legislation and are statutes passed by Parliament with the assent of the Sovereign. Letters Patent, by contrast, are exercises of the royal prerogative and do not constitute primary legislation.

They are administrative or constitutive instruments, not statutory law. Thus, they correctly fall outside the category of primary legislation and are properly described as prerogative instruments (though the term “secondary instruments” is sometimes used loosely in this context).

Because Letters Patent are issued under the royal prerogative, the Sovereign retains the inherent power to revoke or amend them, provided no statute restricts that authority. For example :-

A peerage created by Letters Patent may be surrendered or disclaimed under the Peerage Act 1963, but in the absence of statute, the Crown could theoretically revoke a grant (though this is now politically and constitutionally unthinkable for peerages).

Royal charters (granted by Letters Patent) can be amended or revoked by further Letters Patent, as seen historically with chartered bodies like the BBC or universities.

Where Parliament has legislated, the prerogative is curtailed. For instance:

The Life Peerages Act 1958 governs the creation of life peers by Letters Patent.

The House of Lords Act 1999 removed most hereditary peers, limiting the effect of hereditary Letters Patent issued before that date.

The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 altered succession rules, overriding any contrary prerogative implications.

Thus, the Sovereign’s power to issue, amend, or revoke Letters Patent is real but constrained by statute where Parliament has intervened.

How are Letters Patent issued ?

The procedure is meticulous and rooted in tradition:

  1. Drafting: The relevant government department (e.g., the Cabinet Office for honours) prepares a draft warrant.
  2. Approval: The Prime Minister or responsible minister signs the warrant, advising the Sovereign.
  3. Sealing: The warrant proceeds to the Crown Office at the House of Lords, where the Clerk of the Crown affixes the Great Seal—a wafer impressed with the Sovereign’s image.
  4. Publication: For peerages, details appear in the London Gazette. The document is then enrolled for public record.

The Great Seal of the Realm is the official seal of the monarch, used to approve and authenticate important state documents like letters patent and royal proclamations. It symbolizes the monarch’s sovereign authority and is a historical emblem of their role as Head of State, dating back to Edward the Confessor in the eleventh century. Each new monarch has a new, unique seal created for their reign.

Great Seal of the Realm – King Charles III

The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain is the formal keeper and administrator of the Great Seal of the Realm. The current Lord Chancellor is the Rt Hon David Lammy MP.

Check out the related articles on the Government Legal Department (GLD), Attorney General, Solicitor General, Lord Chancellor, Justice Secretary, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Law, Is the Law Black and White ?, Government Legal Department, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?,Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

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Categories
Free Speech Government Law Legal Analysis Police

Think Before You Post !

Think Before You Post - Free Speech

The United Kingdom has long been hailed as a cornerstone of democratic values but recent trends in policing suggest a troubling erosion of free speech. This concern is explored in a Spiked Online 43-minute documentary, Think Before You Post which was released on the 27th October 2025.

Think Before You Post | How the UK fell to a sinister new form of censorship | FULL DOCUMENTARY – Spiked

The film investigates how the UK has increasingly criminalised online speech over the past six decades, using personal accounts and expert commentary to illustrate the impact. It focuses on the aftermath of the 2024 riots, where social media posts led to arrests without direct incitement to violence.

The documentary’s title references the government’s advisory during the riots: “Think before you post” which was employed to caution users against potential prosecution for content deemed hateful.

Think Before You Post – Gov.uk

Overview of the Documentary

The film begins with footage from the 2024 Southport riots, which followed a stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July 2024, perpetrated by Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old British-born individual of Rwandan heritage.

The attack resulted in the deaths of three young girls Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar along with injuries to eight other children and two adults. This event prompted widespread disorder, exacerbated by online misinformation falsely claiming the attacker was a Muslim migrant.

The documentary details the government’s response, which included not only managing physical unrest but also intensifying scrutiny of online content. It states that approximately 30 individuals are arrested each day in England and Wales for offences related to social media, such as inciting racial or religious hatred or sending communications considered grossly offensive.

Using Home Office figures, the film compares the UK’s more than 12,000 arrests for speech-related matters in 2023 to Russia’s 3,319, highlighting a contrast between a democratic nation and an authoritarian one in terms of regulating expression.

The investigation references legislation including the Race Relations Act 1965 and the Communications Act 2003, which provide a framework for such prosecutions. It notes that while conviction rates are typically around 10%, the process of arrest and investigation often acts as a deterrent to public discussion.

Key Cases and Personal Stories

The documentary presents several cases to demonstrate the application of these laws. Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, a couple from Buckinghamshire, describe their arrest in January 2025 after an online disagreement with their daughter’s school concerning a headteacher’s appointment.

They were charged with harassment and malicious communications for messages that included describing a teacher as a ‘control freak’. Six police officers arrived at their home, leading to their detention, fingerprinting, and DNA sampling.

Hertfordshire Police said the arrests “were necessary to fully investigate the allegations” but the charges were eventually discontinued due to insufficient evidence, but the experience caused considerable stress, particularly for their daughter who has epilepsy.

Journalist Allison Pearson recounts her investigation for inciting racial hatred following a 2023 tweet about police conduct during an anti-Israel demonstration. Essex Police visited her home on Remembrance Sunday 2024, and although the case was later dropped, she highlights the intrusive nature of the process.

Former Royal Marine Jamie Michael discusses his arrest in July 2024 for a Facebook video expressing views on illegal immigration and child safety after the Southport incident. Despite no advocacy for violence, he was held in custody for 17 days and electronically tagged before being acquitted. The report originated from a Labour politician’s office.

The film also covers the case of Lucy Connolly, a 41-year-old former childminder from Northampton, arrested in August 2024 for a tweet responding to the Southport stabbings: “Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the bastards for all I care… If that makes me racist, so be it.”

Charged under Section 19 of the Public Order Act 1986 for publishing material to stir up racial hatred, she pleaded guilty and received a 31-month prison sentence from His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman in October 2024. She served about nine months before release on licence in August 2025, following an unsuccessful appeal in May 2025.

Other examples include a 16-year-old autistic girl arrested for likening a police officer to her ‘lesbian nana’, and Harry Miller whose tweet on transgender issues prompted police to suggest he ‘check his thinking’, a decision later ruled unlawful.

Expert Analysis and Broader Themes

Experts in the documentary provide context. Lord Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, states that police priorities have shifted towards recording ‘non-crime hate incidents’ rather than addressing actual crimes.

He refers to ‘two-tier policing‘, where certain expressions, such as those on immigration, are targeted to preserve social order.

Solicitor Luke Gittos examines the 60-year history of hate speech legislation, noting the ambiguity in definitions that allows for variable enforcement. He argues for addressing offensive ideas through discussion rather than legal action and points out the lack of entrenched free speech rights in UK law.

The film discusses a move towards preventive policing, with social media surveillance used to avert potential disorder. It connects this to societal trends, including identity politics and the Online Safety Act 2023, which requires platforms to remove content under regulatory oversight.

The Irony of Self-Censorship

Upon its release on X, the documentary encountered restrictions under the UK’s Online Safety Act, which reduced its visibility.

Spiked reported this in an article on their website “Our documentary about censorship is being censored Thanks to the Online Safety Act, X has muzzled Think Before You Post“.

Conclusion

Think Before You Post documents the implications of criminalising speech in the UK, using individual cases and data to highlight the scale of arrests. It suggests a need to review current laws to protect democratic discourse.

With 59,095 views on YouTube and 334,439 views on X as of the 30th October 2025, the film has prompted discussion among the public and officials about balancing regulation with freedom of expression.

You may wish to consider joining and supporting The Free Speech Union(FSU). The FSU has silver and gold membership with monthly or annual payments options.

Check out our related articles on the Free Speech Union, Free Speech and the Law, Judiciary, Policing, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Is the Law Black and White ?, Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

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There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Judiciary Law Legal Analysis Legal Professionals

What is a Coroner ?

Coroner

A coroner is an independent judicial officer responsible for investigating sudden, violent or unexplained deaths.

The office of the coroner was formally established in 1194, originally as a form of tax gatherer. In the centuries since this has evolved and now the role of the Coroner is to investigate deaths if they have reason to suspect that;

  • The death was violent or unnatural; or
  • The cause of death is unknown; or
  • The deceased died while in state detention.
Coroners – Courts & Tribunals Judiciary

Governed by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 overseen by the Chief Coroner, their work meticulously establishes who died, how, when, and where, without assigning blame. This preventive role aids in avoiding future incidents and provides closure to bereaved families.

Operating across 74 local areas, coroners blend legal and medical expertise to maintain public trust. They also conduct Treasure inquests under the Treasure Act 1996, safeguarding archaeological heritage.

Each coroner area is led by a Senior Coroner. Some local authorities also appoint one or more Area Coroners to support the Senior Coroner in addition to the appointment of a number of Assistant Coroners.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) publish Annual National Statistics on deaths reported to coroners, including inquests and post-mortems held, inquest conclusions recorded and finds reported to coroners under treasure legislation.

Also published by the MoJ is the Guide to coroners statistics which provides a background overview of coroners, focusing on concepts and definitions published in Ministry of Justice statistics. It also covers policy background and changes, statistical publication revision policies, data sources, quality and dissemination.

In July 2026, the Protocol for Legal Professionals Wishing to Raise Concerns Informally About Coroner Behaviour was issued by the Chief Coroner of England and Wales.

The Chief Coroner’s Role

The Chief Coroner Her Honour Judge Alexia Durran is the judicial head of the coroner system, providing national leadership for coroners in England and Wales. The role of Chief Coroner was only established in 2009 and the first appointment in 2010.

The appointment of the Chief Coroner is made by the Lady Chief Justice in consultation with the Lord Chancellor.

Key duties of the Chief Coroner :-

  • Provide support, leadership and guidance for coroners in England and Wales;
  • In conjunction with the Judicial College, put in place suitable training arrangements for coroners and coroners’ officers;
  • Approve coroner appointments;
  • Keep a register of coroner investigations lasting more than 12 months;
  • Publish Prevention of Future Death reports and responses;
  • Monitor investigations into the deaths of service personnel;
  • Exercise global case management powers (including directing transfers of inquests between coroner areas in certain circumstances, and requesting the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor to appoint judges in certain high-profile or complex inquests); Provide an annual report on the coroner system to the Lord Chancellor, to be laid before Parliament;
  • By convention, the Chief Coroner also sits in the High Court hearing some of the most important judicial and statutory review cases concerning coroners.

Appointment and Qualifications

Coroners are appointed by their local authority, with consent from the Lord Chancellor and Chief Coroner. These permanent roles last until age 75, ensuring stability and independence from external influences.

Candidates require at least five years’ experience as solicitors, barristers, or registered medical practitioners specialising in pathology or forensics. This expertise enables effective navigation of legal-medical intersections. The Chief Coroner’s oversight guarantees selections prioritise integrity and competence.

The Investigation Process

Investigations start with the coroner assuming temporary custody of the body, ordering a post-mortem—often forensic for suspected unnatural causes—to establish the medical facts. Family input on cultural sensitivities is sought, with non-invasive options like CT/MRI scans available to lessen distress.

An inquest follows if required: a public hearing, ideally within six months, reviewing evidence from witnesses, reports, and experts.

Article 2(2) of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) inquests are enhanced inquests held in cases where the State or ‘its agents’ have ‘failed to protect the deceased against a human threat or other risk’ or where there has been a death in custody. Cases where the deceased has been under the care or responsibility of social services or healthcare professionals are also often included in this category of inquest.

‘Jamieson’ and ‘Middleton’ inquests as they are sometimes known, consider neglect on the part on of an individual, and system neglect, under Article 2, respectively.

Juries are used in custody deaths, notifiable accidents, or police actions, issuing verdicts like ‘accidental’, ‘misadventure’, ‘unlawful killing’, or narratives without blame.

Treasure inquests similarly assemble experts to verify criteria, notifying the British Museum for preservation.

Powers and Impact

Coroners possess extensive statutory powers to ensure thorough and transparent investigations. They can summon witnesses to give evidence under oath, compel the production of documents or objects, and even enter premises if necessary for inquiries.

Inquests may be suspended or adjourned pending criminal proceedings, public inquiries, or the gathering of evidence from abroad, preventing overlap and preserving evidential integrity.

Practical support includes issuing interim death certificates to facilitate urgent administrative needs, such as insurance claims or funerals, while full registration awaits conclusion. Delays in investigations, those surpassing 12 months, are reported to the Chief Coroner, who can intervene to expedite processes and maintain efficiency.

The Ministry of Justice have produced ‘A Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People’

Contact the Chief Coroner’s Office
Royal Courts of Justice
London
WC2A 2LL

Email: [email protected]

Coroners’ Society of England & Wales

The Coroners’ Society of England and Wales is the principal professional association and representative body for coroners operating in England and Wales.

Membership is primarily restricted to serving coroners, area coroners, and assistant coroners with corresponding membership open to equivalent judicial office-holders abroad.

Check out the related articles on the Government Legal Department (GLD), Attorney General, Solicitor General, Lady Chief Justice, Lord Chancellor, Justice Secretary, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Law, Is the Law Black and White ?, Government Legal Department, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?,Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

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Categories
Government Law Legal Professionals

Government Legal Profession (GLP)

Government Legal Profession (GLP)

The Government Legal Profession (GLP) is the collective network of qualified lawyers embedded across UK government departments and agencies, providing expert legal advice, litigation support, policy guidance, and compliance services to ensure the government operates within the rule of law.

As of 2025, the GLP operates under the Civil Service umbrella and serves as the government’s primary in-house legal resource. The Government Legal Department (GLD) serves as the principal legal adviser to the UK Government.

The Government Legal Profession (GLP) was formally known as The Government Legal Service (GLS).

Key Roles and Functions

The GLP comprises thousands of qualified lawyers (including solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives) embedded across government departments, agencies, and devolved administrations.

The government is our sole client.

Whether the government is creating new laws, buying goods and services, or defending its decisions in court, it needs significant levels of legal advice on a range of complex issues.

To carry out this work, the government needs its own lawyers and legal trainees who understand its business.

Government Legal Profession – About Us

Their work is diverse and spans advisory, legislative, litigation, commercial, and employment law. Unlike private practice, the government’s interests are their sole client, requiring lawyers to balance legal rigor with policy considerations, public interest and political sensitivity.

Area of WorkDescriptionExamples
Advisory & Policy SupportProviding legal advice on policy development, ensuring compliance with existing laws, and assessing risks for new initiatives. Lawyers collaborate with ministers, policymakers, and officials to implement manifesto commitments.Advising on whether policies require new legislation; drafting secondary regulations (e.g., Statutory Instruments) that directly impact communities.
Legislative WorkAssisting in creating and scrutinising bills, guiding them through Parliament, and supporting ministers in debates.Preparing proposals for primary legislation; working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to ensure laws are enforceable and withstand judicial review.
LitigationRepresenting the government in courts and tribunals, from employment disputes to high-profile constitutional cases in the Supreme Court.Handling judicial reviews, human rights claims, national security matters, and public interest immunity cases; managing a high volume of cases with broader policy implications.
Commercial LawAdvising on procurement, contracts, intellectual property, and state aid to maximise value for public money and minimise spending risks.Developing procurement strategies; negotiating supplier contracts for large-scale projects.
Employment LawSupporting HR functions across government, including policy advice, compliance training, and tribunal representation.Handling non-contentious issues like employment policies; litigating in Employment Tribunals and Appeals.

Structure and Leadership

Impact and Unique Aspects

GLP lawyers enable the government to “govern well within the rule of law” by ensuring policies are legally sound, legislation is robust, and disputes are resolved with public interest in mind.

Their work often involves high-stakes, public-facing issues and contributes to delivering public services efficiently. The rebranding from GLS to GLP highlighted a shift toward viewing government legal work as a unified profession, fostering collaboration across government. For more details, including career opportunities, visit the official GOV.UK page: Government Legal Profession.

Government Legal Department careers

Information on the Trainee Solicitor and Pupil Barrister opportunities available within government departments is published in the Legal trainee scheme guidance.

Information regarding the application and assessment process for the legal trainee scheme is published in the guidance Legal trainee scheme: how to apply.

Legal trainee recruitment enquiries
Recruitment Team
11th Floor, Lower Castle Street
Castlemead
Bristol
BS1 3AG
United Kingdom

Email : [email protected] / Tel : 0117 923 4417

The UK Government’s Government Legal Profession (GLP) also recruits qualified lawyers (barristers, solicitors and chartered legal executives) to provide legal services across departments, primarily through the Government Legal Department (GLD). Information regarding career development, flexible working, salaries and training opportunities is also published as guidance Working for GLP.

Qualified lawyer vacancies across government are advertised on the Civil Service Jobs Website.

The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer.

Check out the related articles on the Government Legal Department (GLD), Attorney General, Solicitor General, Lord Chancellor, Justice Secretary, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Law, Is the Law Black and White ?, Government Legal Department, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?,Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

Latest Articles ↓

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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Categories
Criminal Justice Government Law Legal Analysis Legal Professionals

Serious Fraud Office (SFO)

Serious Fraud Office (SFO)

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) serves as a vital independent government department in the United Kingdom, tasked with investigating and prosecuting instances of serious fraud, bribery, and corruption. The SFO is overseen by the Attorney General.

As a dedicated watchdog, it protects public confidence in financial systems and maintains the UK’s position as a leading international financial centre. In today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving economic environment, the SFO addresses threats that span borders and pose significant risks to individuals and the wider economy.

The SFO 2024-2029 Strategy emphasises a bold, pragmatic approach alongside efficient resource management, despite ongoing budgetary challenges. This article outlines the SFO’s historical development, operational framework, leadership structure, key prosecutions, and recent initiatives, illustrating its critical role in upholding justice and economic stability.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) fights complex financial crime, delivers justice for victims and protects the UK’s reputation as a safe place to do business.

SFO is a non-ministerial department.

Serious Fraud Office – What We Do

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) holds a statutory duty to inspect the operations of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

Historical Development

The establishment of the Serious Fraud Office emerged from the financial turbulence of the 1980s, when major scandals prompted demands for improved corporate governance and criminal accountability. The Guinness share-trading fraud, involving the artificial inflation of share prices during a corporate takeover, highlighted the limitations of conventional police investigations in handling such complexities.

Consequently, the Criminal Justice Act 1987 created the SFO, operational from April 1988, as a specialised entity to identify, investigate, and prosecute the most severe forms of financial misconduct. This initiative drew from the 1986 Roskill Committee’s recommendations, which called for an integrated body combining investigative and legal expertise.

A distinguishing feature of the SFO is its unified model, allowing simultaneous investigation and prosecution under the oversight of the Attorney General, which balances accountability with operational autonomy.

Over more than three decades, the agency has adapted to new challenges, including the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis and the rise of international bribery networks.

Its jurisdiction extends to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, excluding Scotland and the Crown Dependencies, in line with the UK’s devolved legal arrangements. Official records demonstrate how the SFO has transitioned from a primarily reactive role to one focused on proactive prevention.

Mandate, Powers, and Operations

The SFO focuses on offences that cause substantial harm to the public interest, such as economic disruption, damage to the UK’s international reputation, or cases requiring specialised expertise. The Director authorises investigations based on rigorous criteria set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1987, including powers for compulsory interviews (section 2) and the execution of search warrants.

Additional tools include asset recovery through confiscation orders and Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs), which encourage corporate cooperation and remediation.

Beyond domestic efforts, the SFO engages in international collaboration, sharing intelligence on cross-border schemes. During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, it prioritised swift resolutions by closing protracted legacy cases to concentrate on high-potential investigations.

Recent developments, such as the joint SFO-Crown Prosecution Service guidance on corporate prosecutions released in August 2025, strengthen procedures by incorporating provisions like Section 51B of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 for more precise judicial oversight in complex fraud matters. These measures reflect the SFO’s determination to counter an increasingly sophisticated array of economic crimes.

Landmark SFO Cases

The SFO’s record includes pivotal cases that have influenced corporate accountability standards. The 1980s Guinness Share Trading Fraud, involving the manipulation of share prices during a takeover bid, resulted in convictions for insider dealing and false accounting against key figures, including Guinness CEO Ernest Saunders, establishing foundational precedents on market manipulation under the Criminal Justice Act 1987.

In international defence dealings, the 2010 BAE Systems settlement with the SFO imposed a £30 million penalty for accounting irregularities related to a £28 million overpriced military radar system sold to Tanzania in 1999, including undisclosed commission payments; this paralleled a US $400 million fine for Saudi-related issues, marking an early milestone in coordinated global anti-corruption efforts.

Investigations into Barclays Bank, one of the UK’s leading multinational investment banks, have played a prominent role in two major SFO cases.

In the first, concerning the 2008 Qatari fundraising scandal during the global financial crisis, the SFO launched a 2017 prosecution alleging fraud by false representation. This centred on secret £322 million fees linked to a £4 billion emergency capital injection from Qatar.

The case concluded in 2020 with the acquittal of three senior executives, including former CEO John Varley was a significant blow to the SFO.

The second involved Barclays’ role in the Libor manipulation scandal, resulting in the 2016 convictions of three ex-traders—Jonathan Mathew (four years’ imprisonment), Jay Merchant (six-and-a-half years), and Alex Pabon (two-and-a-half years suspended)—for conspiracy to defraud, with total custodial terms surpassing 10 years.

Yet, the September 2025 Supreme Court judgment overturned related convictions of Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo owing to erroneous jury guidance on dishonesty. In response, the SFO acknowledged that the Barclays outcomes might also be unsafe.

Organisational Structure and Leadership

Headquartered in London, the SFO employs approximately 500 staff, including barristers, solicitors, forensic accountants, and digital specialists, organised into divisions for operations, legal services, intelligence and policy.

Nick Ephgrave QPM, was appointed Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) on the 25th September 2023 and brings extensive experience from senior positions at the Metropolitan Police Service and the Crown Prosecution Service. Nick Ephgrave has prioritised innovation, as highlighted in his February 2024 speech to the Royal United Services Institute, where he advocated for a more assertive institutional culture.

Claire Bassett is the interim Chair of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) Board.

The SFO Declaration of Interests shows Financial and other interests declared by the Director, Non-Executive Directors and other board members, including details of any recusals.

Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5BS
United Kingdom

Tel : 020 7362 8100 / Email : [email protected]

His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC (Retired) – The High Court Judge That Never Was ! Serious Fraud by the Judiciary ? Can you Email a Judge ?

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Criminal Justice Government Law Legal Analysis Legal Professionals

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI)

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI)

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) is an independent statutory body established by the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Act 1999, becoming fully operational in April 2000.

HMCPSI holds a statutory duty to inspect the operations of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which is responsible for over 500,000 prosecutions annually in England and Wales and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), which handles complex fraud and corruption cases.

The purpose of inspection is to drive improvements and build public confidence in the prosecution process. Our inspections do this by providing independently assessed evidence, which:

While we may make recommendations in our reports, we are not a regulator, and do not have any power to enforce compliance.

HMCPSI has a statutory duty to inspect the operation of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

Historical Background

HMCPSI’s origins trace back to the late 1990s amid concerns over the CPS’s performance following its creation in 1986.

The pivotal Glidewell Review of 1998 commissioned by the government, exposed inefficiencies and recommended an independent inspectorate to monitor prosecutorial standards.

This led to the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Act 2000, which formalised HMCPSI as a statutory entity in 2000.

Role and Responsibilities

At its core, HMCPSI’s mandate is to inspect the CPS and SFO delivering independent assessments that drive systemic enhancements.

Inspections evaluate case handling, decision-making, and resource allocation, culminating in reports that highlight strengths, weaknesses and actionable recommendations.

While it cannot enforce changes, HMCPSI’s findings empower stakeholders, including Parliament and the Attorney General, to hold agencies accountable. Additionally, it extends expertise to other UK and international prosecution services through collaborative arrangements promoting best practices globally.

Transparency is paramount: methodologies are openly documented, ensuring credibility and fostering trust in the justice process.

We are part of the solution to improving the Criminal Justice System through high quality inspection.

  • We hold the CPS and SFO to account for what they deliver (we make recommendations that drive improvement)
  • Victims will be at the heart of inspection (where we can, we will use victim experience in our inspection)
  • Using our 25 years of experience we will help public prosecutors improve (their legal casework)
  • Inspection will identify and spread best practice
HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) Vison Statement

Organisational Structure and Leadership

HMCPSI operates as a lean, specialised organisation, comprising around 40 staff members divided into inspection, policy, and support teams. The inspection division, led by two Deputy Chief Inspectors, conducts fieldwork and compiles evidence-based reports.

At the helm is the Chief Inspector, appointed by the Attorney General for a fixed term. In January 2025, Anthony Rogers, a seasoned prosecutor with extensive CPS experience, assumed this role, bringing fresh perspectives on efficiency and victim support.

Reporting directly to the Attorney General, the leadership ensures strategic direction aligns with evolving justice priorities.

The operational relationship between the Attorney General and the Chief Inspector is set out in a protocol agreed between the Law Officers (the Attorney General and Solicitor General) and the Chief Inspector.

Recent Activities and Impact

HMCPSI’s 2024-2025 annual report underscores ongoing strains on the criminal justice system, including backlogs exacerbated by post-pandemic recovery.

Key outputs include a follow-up inspection on joint CPS-police operations, where progress was noted on two of four recommendations, and an area review of CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, the third in a phased programme, revealing improvements in case progression but gaps in victim communication. These efforts have spurred tangible reforms, such as enhanced training, affirming HMCPSI’s influence despite resource constraints.

The HMCPSI publish the latest press releases and good practice on their website.

You can contact HMCPSI :-

HMCPSI
7th Floor, Tower
102 Petty France
London SW1H 9GL

Tel : 020 4574 3218 / Email : [email protected]

Check out our related articles on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Complaints and Feedback, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Victims’ Right to Review (VRR), Is the Law Black and White ?, Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?,Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, Contra Mundum, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

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Government Law Legal Professionals

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) is a non-ministerial department within the Cabinet Office and employs specialist government lawyers who draft all government bills presented to Parliament.

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel converts departmental policy instructions into legislative text that is clear, workable, and designed for enduring use. Subject to parliamentary examination, its output maintains the rule of law by reconciling government intentions with principles of judicial enforceability.

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel publish guidance about the drafting of legislation, produced by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for members of that office.

The Legislative process: taking a bill through Parliament is an overview of the process by which bills become law.

History and Establishment

The origins of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) lie in the mid-19th century, when demands grew for standardised legislative drafting to address inconsistencies in government bills.

Prior to 1869, bill preparation was inconsistent: some were drafted by the Home Office counsel for multiple departments, others by independent counsel or departmental officials, resulting in variations that affected the coherence of the statute book.

The OPC was established on 8 February 1869 by a Treasury Minute as a two-year experiment to settle all departmental bills and draft other government bills (excluding those for Ireland and Scotland). Henry Thring was appointed as the inaugural full-time head, with one assistant. In January 1871, a further Treasury Minute made the arrangement permanent, commending Thring’s improvements to bill preparation.

Initially part of HM Treasury, the OPC expanded gradually with rising legislative demands. By 1901, it comprised one Parliamentary Counsel, an assistant, and support staff. Additional Parliamentary Counsel were appointed in 1914 and 1930. By the 1960s, the office had grown to 16 lawyers and support staff.

In 1969, the OPC transferred to the new Civil Service Department and adopted its current name. Following the department’s dissolution in 1980, it became part of the Cabinet Office, where it remains.

Role and Functions

At its core, the OPC drafts all government bills introduced to Parliament, engaging from policy inception through to enactment. This iterative process involves close collaboration with departments, refining drafts to ensure coherence and workability.

Beyond bills, it prepares amendments, reviews subordinate legislation amending primary Acts, and advises on parliamentary procedure and constitutional matters. A dedicated team partners with the Law Commission on reforms and consolidations.

The OPC also fosters legislative excellence through training for Government Legal Department lawyers and publishing guidance, such as the 2022 Common Legislative Solutions guide on penalties and policy devices.

Its counsel, qualified barristers and solicitors, prioritise “good law”: necessary, effective, coherent, and accessible statutes that withstand scrutiny.

Structure and Operations

Headquartered at 1 Horse Guards Road in London, the OPC operates as a nimble unit of 46 counsel and 7 support staff, led by the First Parliamentary Counsel, currently Jessica de Mounteney.

Email : [email protected]

Telephone : +44 (0)20 7276 6586

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Judiciary Legal Professionals

District Judge Sam Goozee

District Judge Goozee

Sam Goozée is a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) of England and Wales who was appointed on the 23rd March 2016.

District Judge Goozee serves as the Resident District Judge for Berkshire Magistrates’ Courts and the leadership judge for the south east region.

District Judge Sam Goozee was the judge presiding over Tommy Robinson’s terrorism case at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

DJ Goozee issued rulings on the first day of the trial, including protecting Robinson’s address from publication due to threats and restricting live-tweeting for independent media following a BBC complaint, while allowing mainstream outlets to report. The two-day trial continued on the 14th October 2025.

On the 4th November 2025 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Tommy Robinson (defence funded by Elon Musk) was found not guilty by District Judge Sam Goozee of the terror offence.

I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principle reason for this stop.

The stop was not lawful, and I cannot convict you. I find you not guilty.

District Judge Goozee

It is believed, from Companies House data, that Judge Sam Goozée was born on the 31st January 1971 and was a former director of the now dissolved JUSTICES’CLERKS’SOCIETY (00078822).

Who’s Who lists Goozée, Sam Mark (born 31 Jan. 1971), a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts), since 2016.

Legal Career

District Judge Goozee judicial career stems from a long background in the magistrates’ courts service. After a brief stint in private practice, he spent most of his professional life as a legal advisor in magistrates’ courts, starting in Hampshire before transferring to Dorset.

There, he advanced to legal manager and deputy justice clerk (now known as senior legal manager). He later moved to North and West Yorkshire, where he became Justices Clerk, equivalent to head of legal operations.

While in this senior management role, he applied successfully for a part-time deputy district judge position, sitting a few days a month with Civil Service support for up to 20 days annually, plus additional sittings on his own leave.

This paved the way for his full-time appointment as a district judge in 2016. Apart from two years of defending and prosecuting cases in Bournemouth, his career has been dedicated to advisory and managerial roles in the courts a path he describes as providing an excellent foundation for judicial appointments.

District Judge (MC) Goozee is shown on the District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts) published on the Courts and Tribunal Judiciary website.

District Judge (MC) Goozee 
South East		23-03-16
District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts)

Notable Roles and Contributions

Beyond his judicial duties, District Judge Goozee is passionate about outreach and education. He engages with University of Reading law students through programs that expose them to real courtroom scenarios, such as bail applications and pleas in mitigation, helping them bridge academic learning with practical application.

He highlights the everyday realities of magistrates’ courts, including factors like organised crime and substance issues that lead to cases, to foster a nuanced understanding of the criminal justice system. Students have praised his personable and encouraging approach, noting how he supports career development in a field often seen as rigid.

Notable Cases

District Judge Goozee (MC) has presided over several high-profile matters, including:

Image of DJ Goozee : Microsoft Co-Pilot © Ministry of Injustice 2025

The High Court Judge that never was – His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC

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Free Speech Law Legal Analysis

Free Speech and the Law

Free Speech and the Law

Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right that allows individuals and communities to express their opinions, ideas, and information without fear of retaliation, censorship, or punishment particularly from government authorities.

In England and Wales, this right is enshrined in law but operates within a framework of balances and restrictions. Unlike the absolute protections in some jurisdictions, UK free speech is a qualified right.

The primary safeguard for free speech in England and Wales is Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), incorporated via the Human Rights Act 1998.

Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 gives the right to freedom of expression. “This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.”

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 mandates that universities uphold free speech for students, academics, and guest speakers, countering “cancel culture” and deplatforming.

Education Providers must ensure lawful events proceed without undue hindrance, with the Office for Students empowered to investigate complaints and impose fines.

The Free Speech Union is a non-partisan, mass membership public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its members and campaigns for free speech more widely. We champion the right of people from all walks of life to express themselves without fear of punishment or persecution. We often come to the defence of our members who get into trouble for exercising their right to lawful free speech, whether in the workplace, at university or on social media.

The Free Speech Union

Origins of Free Speech

The concept of free speech traces its roots to ancient Athens in the late 6th or early 5th century BCE, where democracy fostered the principle of parrhesia, the right to speak candidly about politics, religion, and government without fear of retaliation. This allowed philosophers, playwrights, and citizens to criticise leaders openly, though it was limited to certain public forums and did not extend to slaves or women.

In contrast, ancient Rome had more restricted speech under laws like the Lex Julia Majestatis which punished insults to the emperor.

During the Middle Ages, speech was heavily controlled by the Catholic Church and monarchies with censorship intensifying after the invention of the Gutenberg printing press around 1440.

The 18th century saw philosophical defences of free speech as essential for progress and governance. John Locke advocated toleration (excluding atheists), Baruch Spinoza pushed for universal expression, and Voltaire praised England’s relative freedoms in his 1733 Letters on the English, coining the spirit of “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” (attributed later by biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall).

Modern Free Speech

Globally, Free Speech is recognised in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) : “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.“

In the United States, Free Speech is enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution, which states : “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.“

Limitations and Challenges

Free speech in England and Wales is curtailed where it veers into hate speech. The Public Order Act 1986 and related laws prohibit expressions intended or likely to stir up hatred based on race, religion, or sexual orientation with penalties up to seven years’ imprisonment.

Legal action remains a potent tool for silencing critics, through the Defamation Act 2013.

Section 2 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of truth. Section 3 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of honest opinion. Section 4 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of public interest. Section 8 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the single publication rule.

Online platforms face pressures under the Online Safety Act 2023 to remove harmful content, raising fears of over-censorship.

Anti-protest legislation, including bans on demonstrations in abortion buffer zones punishable by fines or imprisonment, adds further restrictions.

Cases like comedian Graham Linehan’s September 2025 arrest for tweets alleged to incite violence against trans individuals underscore chilling effects. With over 12,000 annual arrests for speech-related offences in England and Wales, enforcement remains contentious.

Case Law

“Free speech encompasses the right to offend, and indeed to abuse another.” – Para 43 Scottow v CPS [2020] EWHC 3421 (Admin)

“Free speech is a fundamental common law right” – Para 21 R v Shayler [2002] UKHL 11 [2003] 1 AC 247 per Lord Bingham and Para 42 Phillips -v- Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs [2024] EWHC 32 (Admin)

We live in a liberal democracy. One of the precious rights that affords us is to express our own views and read, hear and consider ideas without the state intervening to stop us doing so.

The price we pay for that is having to allow others to exercise the same rights, even if that upsets, offends or shocks us.

Mr Justice Bennathan – Southwark Crown Court 10th October 2025
“We’ve had free speech for a very long time here…” – Sir Keir Starmer

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Law Police

National Hate Crime Awareness Week

National Hate Crime Awareness Week

National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) 2025 starts on the 11th October 2025. This week-long campaign, organised by the 17-24-30 charity, calls on communities, organisations and individuals to confront the scourge of hate crime head-on.

Founded by Mark Healey and Ryan Perkins in 2009 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 1999 London nail bombings, a series of far-right terrorist attacks by neo-Nazi David Copeland, targeting Black, Bangladeshi, and LGBTQ+ communities that claimed three lives and injured over 140 people.

At its core, NHCAW operates under the H.O.P.E. framework: Highlighting the impact of hate crimes, Optimising operational responses from police and councils, Preventing future incidents through education, and Engaging affected communities in solutions.

Sussex Police are taking part in National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2025 which starts on Saturday 11th October.

A hate crime is when someone commits a crime which is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on the victim’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity, or any other perceived difference.

Policing teams and partners across the force will carry out engagements with partner agencies and talks and visits to schools and universities, as officers look to educate and ensure our communities know if they are affected by hate crime and how to report it.

Chief Superintendent Nick Dias, force lead for Hate Crime, said: “We work extremely hard as a force to raise awareness of what hate crime is, and to give victims the confidence to come forward to report it.

“We understand the huge impact it can have on individual victims and wider communities across Sussex and in the country. There have been recent incidents both locally and nationally which have caused concern.

“It’s vital that hate crimes and incidents of that nature are reported so that we can support those affected and look to bring the offenders to justice.

“Throughout the week, we are working with our partners and holding events where you can come and talk to us and find out more about the work we’re doing. But our work doesn’t stop there, we are here all year round to help keep the community safe.

“You can find where we will be and when on our social media channels so if you have any questions across the week, feel free to chat to our officers in your town or city.

“Our message is clear: Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate and division in our county.”

Sussex Police – Sussex Police takes part in National Hate Crime Awareness Week
Crawley Police World Samosa Day 2024
Chief Superintendent Nick Dias Sussex Police
Sussex Police, the King and High Sheriff

Check out our articles on National Stalking Awareness Week, Policing by Consent, Police Impartiality, Two Tiered Policing, Free Speech Union, What is a Police and Crime Commissioner ?, Sussex Police, Policing, Police News, Thought Police, Wasting Police Time, Police Community Support Officers (PCSO), Met Police, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, R v Sussex Justices and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

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Rule of Law - Open Justice - Policing By Consent