Civil Law

Spanish Botulism outbreak prompts report on risks

Spanish scientists have produced a report on the growth of Clostridium botulinum and the risk of botulism following an outbreak that affected 12 people in 2023.

In June and July 2023, an increase in botulism was detected in Spain linked to consumption of prepared food packaged under vacuum or in a modified atmosphere. This association was not confirmed microbiologically as the presence of Clostridium botulinum, or botulinum toxin, was not detected in the analysis carried out on dishes prepared from … Read the rest

Supreme Court

In year-end report, chief justice defends judiciary’s independence

In year-end report, chief justice defends judiciary’s independence

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At the end of an eventful year at the Supreme Court that included a ruling giving former President Donald Trump broad immunity from criminal prosecution for his conduct while in office, reporting that controversial flags had flown at the homes of Justice Samuel Alito, and an ethics inquiry from Senate Democrats that found more gift trips that Justice Clarence Thomas had failed to disclose, Chief Justice John Roberts’ annual report, released on Tuesday evening, focused on what he sees … Read the rest

Civil Law

NGO successfully challenges planning inspectors’ report on energy performance standards

The recent decision (20 February 2024) of the High Court in R (Rights Community Action) v Secretary of State is a rare example of an NGO succeeding in a climate change legal action under English law.  In the case, Rights Community Action persuaded the High Court to overturn a finding by the Secretary of State’s Planning Inspectors that a local authority’s “net zero” policy was unlawful.

The claim arose in relation to a proposed new “garden village” development in Oxfordshire.  … Read the rest