“Criminal Bar Association Tana Adkin KC called the policy to apply whole life orders retrospectively a ‘knee jerk reaction’” Adding “government should focus attention on expediting justice in the courts given the Crown court backlog was at a record high”
Mothers or fathers in prison for murdering the other parent will be stripped of parental responsibility under new powers to be outlined by Alex Chalk in his first party conference speech as justice secretary today.
‘Jade’s Law’ will automatically suspend parental responsibility from a parent convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of the other parent. The Ministry of Justice said this will ensure children are protected from their remaining parent having any say in their life, such as which school to attend.
The court will still consider the best interests of the child through a ‘rapid and robust’ review stage, and can potentially lift the suspension. Parents with diminished responsibility following a history of domestic abuse will be exempt from the suspension. The burden on family members to apply to the family court will be removed so they can focus on looking after the child.
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