On 29 April 2021, four years after it was included in the Queen’s Speech, the Domestic Abuse Bill received Royal Assent and was signed into law.
For the first time there will be a wide-ranging legal definition of domestic abuse which incorporates a range of abuses beyond physical violence, including emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour, and economic abuse.
The measures include new protections and support for victims ensuring that abusers will no longer be allowed to directly cross-examine their victims in the family and civil courts, and giving victims better access to special measures in the courtroom to help prevent intimidation, such as protective screens and giving evidence via video link.
Lord Justice Cobb appointed President of the Family Division.
On 23rd April 2026, The Rt Hon Lord Justice Cobb was announced as President of the Family Division, Head of Family Justice, President of the
Adoption orders are final, Supreme Court finds
The courts have no jurisdiction to set aside a validly made adoption order other than through an appeal, the Supreme Court has found. Read the
Maths pupils ‘make slower progress in mixed ability classes’
Pupils in mixed-ability classes make slower progress in maths compared to those grouped by attainment, a new report suggests. Using sets for maths also did not “significantly