Introduction From time to time, the public order policing methods of the Garda Síochána (Ireland’s police service) have generated concerns about the use of excessive … Read more

Introduction The rule against double jeopardy, often referred to as ne bis in idem, broadly protects an individual against the risk of being put in … Read more

Policy issues  The taking, retention and use of fingerprints in the investigation and detection of crime can be traced at least to the early years … Read more

Introduction It is generally accepted that prosecutions for rape and similar sexual offences present complex difficulties. Where, as is often the case, the core issue … Read more

Image credit: The Irish Times Extraordinary case Last week, a French court convicted Ian Bailey in his absence and sentenced him to 25 years for … Read more

Introduction A Bill has just been introduced in the Westminster Parliament paving the way for the introduction of a Sentencing Code for England and Wales. … Read more

HMICFRS report A few weeks ago, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS, formerly Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary) published a … Read more

A relentless series of corruption, neglect and mismanagement scandals in Irish policing over the past few decades has generated a stream of reports and recommendations … Read more

At first sight, internal police promotions to senior ranks might not seem to be a topic likely to generate public concern. In practice it can … Read more

Fatal stabbings in England and Wales rose last year to the highest point since records began. Understandably, the government has felt under intense pressure to … Read more