Julian Harris

A Friend of the Court

An editorial by Julian Harris (Deputy General Editor, Amicus Curiae) looking back at what the journal has achieved since the first issue appeared in 1997. Amicus Curiae is the Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by SALS at the IALS (Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London).

Protecting journalists’ sources

Julian Harris (Deputy General Editor, Amicus Curiae) looks at the impact of a decision by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in a case involving an ex-police officer turned journalist, Gerard Gallacher, and five other people – Mrs Gallacher another former police officer and his wife, and two serving police officers on continuing debate about press regulation and freedom. He highlights the importance of protecting the confidentiality of journalistic sources - an issue that was the subject of debate during the passage through Parliament of the Investigatory Powers Bill.

Three Jurisdictions but one reputation

Julian Harris (Deputy General Editor, Amicus Curiae) briefly outlines progress on defamation law reform, describing the impact of measures introduced by the Defamation Act 2013 to England and Wales and discussions on the introduction of similar provision in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Maintaining open government

Julian Harris describes reactions and responses to the government’s decision to set up an independent crossparty Commission on Freedom of Information to review the working of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI).

Charters for confusion

Julian Harris, Deputy General Editor, Amicus Curiae gives a brief update on the post-Leveson search for a system of press regulation acceptable to politicians, press and public. He describes the two draft Royal Charters being considered by the Privy Council.

A Charter for the Press

Julian Harris, Deputy General Editor, Amicus Curiae describes the proposals and the political differences being played out over the future of press regulation following the publication of a draft Royal Charter showing how a model based on the Leveson report might be created without using an Act of Parliament. The charter creates a “recognition panel” which would decide whether any new independent self-regulatory body proposed by the press conformed to the requirements laid down by the Leveson report.

Professor Terence Daintith

Profile of Professor Terence Daintith, interviewed when he was Dean of the School of Advanced Study within the University of London. He served as Director of the IALS from 1988 to 1995. He explains the role of the School, and how he is developing it. Published in the Profile section of Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and its Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.

Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn

Profile of Professor Lord Andrew Colin Renfrew, a distinguished archaeologist, who sets out some key areas of concern and highlights legal issues for those who attempt to fight the trade in illicit antiquities. Published in the Profile section of Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and its Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.

Professor Jeffrey Jowell QC

Profile of Professor Jeffrey Jowell QC (Professor of Public Law, Vice Provost and Dean of the Law Faculty Elect at University College, London) in which he gives his views on the need for law schools to adopt radical changes to their traditional way of working. Published in the Profile section of Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and its Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.

Peter Carter-Ruck

Profile of Peter Carter-Ruck, the doyen of libel lawyers, who is still handling major cases in the area of law with which his name is associated and as leading consultant of his firm keeps in touch with a wider field of practice. Published in the Profile section of Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and its Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.