Sam Chen is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Law Express and News(July,2024PW)

08 Aug 2024  |  IR Global  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

The revised Company Law of the People's Republic of China, effective from July 1, 2023, addresses the convergence and application issues between the old and new laws. The Supreme People's Court and the State Council have issued guidance to facilitate this transition.

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Legal Reforms Company Law

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David Cowan is an author & journalist based in France. He travels extensively within Europe, North America and Asia, so can undertake assignments globally.

MSPs split over plans for rape trials without juries

29 Mar 2024  |  www.aol.com  |  English  |  Legal System Reform

An influential committee of MSPs has supported abolishing Scotland's not proven verdict but is divided on plans to hold rape trials without juries. The Criminal Justice Committee, after scrutinizing the Scottish government's proposed legal reforms, requires more evidence and fears unintended consequences. The bill suggests a smaller jury and a two-thirds majority for convictions, which has not convinced the MSPs. A contentious proposal is a pilot for judge-only verdicts in rape trials, which has mixed support and opposition among committee members. Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledges the need for amendments to the bill, which aims to improve experiences for victims and witnesses. Rape Crisis Scotland's CEO supports the pilot, while the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association threatens a boycott. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman criticizes the lack of evidence for juryless trials. The committee is also split on establishing a standalone sexual offences court.

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Legal System Reform Rape Trials Scottish Government

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Mariah Doksil is an award winning journalist based in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

She is passionate about contributing to children, girls and women's empowerment, writing about social inequality and injustice, exploring environmental issues and also documenting stories and facts involving the ...

Proposed citizenship amendments will affect Sabah indigenous community

22 Dec 2023  |  Borneo Post Online  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

The proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution regarding citizenship could significantly impact the indigenous community in Sabah, particularly those still fighting for their citizenship. Anne Baltazar, founder of Anak, highlights the case of Tabias Yarun, a Lundayeh man from Tenom, who has been repeatedly denied citizenship despite being born and raised in Sabah. The amendments, which include not granting citizenship to children of parents holding red ICs, are seen as regressive and could worsen statelessness in Malaysia. However, some amendments aim to grant Malaysian mothers the equal right to confer automatic citizenship on their children born overseas. The Attorney-General’s Chambers is drafting these amendments, with input from the Conference of Rulers.

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Legal Reforms Citizenship Amendments Indigenous Rights

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Juan Fernandez is a journalist based in A Coruña, Spain.
Find more about him at **** or ****

Two legal reforms to speed up disaster relief like the DANA have been stalled for years

28 Nov 2024  |  EL PERIÓDICO  |  Spanish  |  Legal Reforms

The article discusses the delay in implementing two critical legal reforms in Spain aimed at improving disaster relief efforts, particularly in the wake of the recent DANA disaster. The reforms include a modification to the National Security Law for resource contribution and a law to harmonize firefighter operations. The lack of coordination and resource cataloging has been highlighted as a significant issue, with examples of inefficiencies during the disaster response. The Spanish government has contracted GMV to design a platform for integrating resource data, but political negotiations are lagging. The article underscores the urgent need for streamlined legal frameworks to enhance emergency response capabilities.

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Legal Reforms Disaster Management Emergency Response

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Matthew Green is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Measure B, to Change Alameda County Recall Rules, Leads by Wide Margin in Early Returns

06 Mar 2024  |  www.kqed.org  |  English  |  Legal Reform

Alameda County voters are likely to adopt California's guidelines for recalling elected officials, which would replace the county's outdated 1926 rules. Measure B, which leads by a wide margin, was proposed to avoid lawsuits and align with state guidelines. The measure has implications for several potential recalls, including that of District Attorney Pamela Price. Concerns about confusion and lawsuits during ongoing recall efforts were raised, but Board President Nate Miley ultimately supported the measure. The cost of recall elections is prompting officials to reconsider ballot qualification processes, as seen with recent state legislation and the expensive 2021 attempt to recall Governor Gavin Newsom.

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Legal Reform Election Local Government

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Carlos Jaramillo is a journalist based in Medellín, Colombia.

A Trojan Virus Tries to Sneak into the National Assembly

18 Feb 2024  |  gk.city  |  Spanish  |  Legal Reforms

The article discusses the ongoing debate in Ecuador's National Assembly over 88 proposed reforms to the Comprehensive Organic Penal Code (COIP). It argues that these reforms, particularly those related to increasing penalties and reducing legal guarantees, are examples of penal populism. The article claims that the reforms are a strategy by correísmo and its allies to influence the judicial system and potentially revoke the conviction of former President Rafael Correa. It highlights the inclusion of new grounds for judicial review, which could undermine the principle of res judicata and state sovereignty. The article concludes that these reforms reflect the desperation of correísmo to absolve its leader outside the established judicial system.

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Legal Reforms Political Strategy Judicial System

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Shaukat Korai is a Karachi based Multimedia journalist of Pakistan.

Inside Karachi’s honour killing epidemic

31 Jan 2025  |  South Asia Times  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

Karachi is experiencing a rise in honour killings, attributed to rural-to-urban migration bringing patriarchal values. Despite legal frameworks, implementation is weak, with many cases resolved through informal settlements. Activists and experts call for stronger legal amendments and enforcement, alongside societal reforms to challenge cultural norms. The article highlights the need for immediate attention to protect women and ensure justice.

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Legal Reforms Honour Killings Gender-Based Violence

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Kit MacAvoy is a freelance photojournalist based in upstate New York.

Territory, U.S. Ask Judge To Terminate Section of Prison Consent Decree

22 Nov 2024  |  St. Thomas Source  |  English  |  Prison Reform

The V.I. Corrections Bureau and the U.S. Justice Department have jointly requested a federal judge to terminate a section of a settlement agreement concerning medical care at St. Croix’s John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility. This move follows a report indicating 95% compliance with medical provisions, though mental healthcare remains hindered by staff shortages. The territory aims to use this as a model to end other sections of the agreement. Despite progress, issues like contraband and delayed payments to the court-appointed monitor persist, with the territory avoiding sanctions for a recent payment delay.

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Legal Proceedings Prison Reform Government Oversight

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Pesha Magid is a freelance journalist currently based out Baghdad.

Saudi Arabia's new civil laws aim to boost investment, but caution lingers

16 Dec 2023  |  www.investing.com  |  English  |  Legal Reform

Saudi Arabia's new civil code, part of the Vision 2030 reform plan, aims to attract foreign investment by providing legal clarity and reducing the discretion judges have in commercial disputes. The new laws, which follow sharia principles but are based on Egypt's 1849 civil law, are expected to boost investor confidence by offering more predictable legal outcomes. However, some investors remain cautious, preferring jurisdictions with established legal frameworks. The new code allows for clearer shareholder agreements, fixed damages in contracts, and the ability to sue for loss of profit, but doubts linger about the treatment of foreign parties in Saudi courts.

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Legal Reform Investment Economy

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Donald Matthys is a journalist based in Windhoek, Namibia.

Namibia: Banks to Face Uphill Battle to Repossess Homes

08 Jan 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

Namibia's new Magistrates' Courts Amendment Act of 2023, signed by President Hage Geingob, aims to protect homeowners from bank repossessions due to loan defaults. The law, awaiting operationalization by the Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab, imposes restrictions on auctioning primary homes and broadens the definition of 'primary home.' Lawyer Richard Metcalfe supports the amendments, viewing them as a critical step in protecting public interests. The Bank of Namibia acknowledges potential issues with discriminatory lending practices but supports the amendments, planning to leverage technology to address these concerns.

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Legal Reforms Banking Homeownership

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Lauren Medlicott is a journalist based in Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom.

Hillsborough Law – another duty of candour on public servants?

01 May 2024  |  www.politicshome.com  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

The UK Prime Minister has committed to introducing the 'Hillsborough Law' to enforce a legal duty of candour on public servants, aiming to enhance transparency in official investigations involving state involvement in deaths. The law seeks to address issues of defensiveness and lack of openness in public authorities, as highlighted in past cases like Hillsborough and Daniel Morgan. Existing duties of candour are deemed insufficient, with ineffective sanctions. The proposed law, inspired by a 2017 Private Members Bill, would impose criminal sanctions for non-compliance, aiming to foster a culture of openness. The challenge lies in integrating this law into the existing framework while ensuring meaningful impact.

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Legal Reforms Hillsborough Law Public Sector Transparency

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Christian Moore is a freelance journalist and social media manager based in Berlin, Germany.

He holds a BA (Hons) in English Studies and an M.Phil in Creative Writing from Trinity College, Dublin.

Widespread protests in Slovakia continue against proposed penal code changes

20 Dec 2023  |  malaysia.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Legal Reform

Slovakia is experiencing widespread protests against proposed changes to the penal code, which include abolishing the special prosecutor’s office that handles serious crimes. The European Commission has called for a thorough analysis of the reform. The government, led by Robert Fico's Smer party, has postponed the introduction of these changes to the new year. Critics fear Fico's pro-Russia stance may lead Slovakia away from its pro-Western course. Protests have been ongoing since December 7, with a significant turnout in Bratislava and other cities.

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Legal Reform Protests Political Controversy

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Clara Nabaa is a freelance Lebanese journalist with 5 years of experience. She currently lives in Beirut, Lebanon. She has a strong interest in human rights and justice issues. Clara had written for several online platforms. She is motivated by the challenge of learning new things. Clara finds ...

Worrying Increase in Domestic Violence Against Women in Lebanon: Does the Law Protect Them?

15 Jul 2024  |  شريكة ولكن  |  Arabic  |  Legal Reforms

Lebanon is witnessing a worrying increase in domestic violence against women, with 12 reported murders since the beginning of 2024. The article highlights the inadequacies of current legal protections and the cultural factors that perpetuate violence. Organizations like KAFA and ABAAD are actively working to support victims, while legislative efforts for comprehensive laws face significant political and social obstacles. The article calls for a holistic approach to address gender-based violence, including legal reforms and societal change.

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Legal Reforms Domestic Violence Women's Rights

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Mlondolozi Ndlovu is a broadcaster, journalist and media trainer based in Harare, Zimbabwe. He contributes to the Voice of America - Zimbabwe Service. He has published for a number of online and hard copy newspapers in Zimbabwe including Newsday, Herald, Southern eye, Nehanda Radio, Radio VOP among ...

Zimbabwe: A Case for the Abolishment of the Death Penalty in Zimbabwe

26 Feb 2024  |  allafrica.com  |  English  |  Legal Reform

Zimbabwe's Cabinet has approved principles of a bill to abolish the death penalty, a practice not enforced since 2005 but still legally in place. The death penalty is criticized for being cruel, inhumane, and discriminatory, as it only applies to men. Legal cases such as Furman v Georgia and Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe v Attorney General highlight the incompatibility of the death penalty with evolving standards of decency. Studies suggest the death penalty does not deter crime, and the risk of executing innocent individuals is irreversible. The article argues for the abolition of the death penalty in Zimbabwe, citing its colonial roots, lack of deterrence, discriminatory nature, and the potential for irreversible mistakes.

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Legal Reform Death Penalty Human Rights

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Pierre Claver Niyonkuru ****, Burundian Journalist.

Portfolio : ****

Voice Of America (VOA) Reporter for the Central African Division. 
http://voanews.com  http://voaafrique.com https://www.voanews.com, East African Community and Great Lakes Region of Africa.

Senior International ...

Burundi Takes Steps to Decriminalize Journalism

16 Feb 2024  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Legal Reform

Burundi's government has adopted a bill to replace prison sentences for journalists with fines for ethics violations. The National Communication Council will refer cases to a judge, who determines fines. The move has been welcomed by many media workers, though some have reservations and call for the release of jailed journalists, including Floriane Irangabiye. The bill was adopted unanimously in a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Evariste Ndayishimiye. Before becoming law, it must pass through additional legislative steps.

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Legal Reform Press Freedom

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I am currently the Orange County reporter for KPCC/Southern California Public Radio. I have been working in radio, print and television since 2001, primarily in California, Central America and Mexico. I'm available for small jobs and occasional longer freelance projects.

Is the OC snitch scandal over? Why there’s no easy answer

29 Jan 2025  |  LAist  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

The OC snitch scandal, involving illegal use of informants by Orange County law enforcement, has led to numerous overturned convictions and ongoing legal challenges. Despite reforms by District Attorney Todd Spitzer, including the establishment of a Conviction Integrity Unit, skepticism remains about the sufficiency of these measures. The Department of Justice's recent settlement with the O.C. District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department aims to address past injustices, but questions persist about the effectiveness of these reforms and the need for an independent review of past cases. Key figures in the scandal include Scott Sanders, who uncovered the misconduct, and Paul Gentile Smith, whose retrial is pending.

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Legal Reforms OC Snitch Scandal Criminal Justice

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mohsin saleem ullah is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Child-Friendly Courts

15 Jun 2024  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has called for the establishment of child-friendly courts with specially trained judges to prioritize the welfare of minors in custody decisions. Justice Athar Minallah's ruling emphasizes the need for a supportive court environment, specialized training for judges, and adherence to Article 35 of the Constitution of Pakistan. The article highlights the challenges children face in conventional courts and advocates for adopting international best practices, such as those in the UK, to protect children's rights and well-being during legal proceedings. It stresses the importance of the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance, 2000, and the need for public education on child protection laws.

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Legal Reforms Child Welfare Judicial System

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Diana Wanyonyi is a journalist.

Mombasa Residents Urged to Use Small Claims Court to Reduce Backlogs

17 Jan 2025  |  www.talkafrica.co.ke  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

Kenyans are encouraged to utilize the small claims court to alleviate case backlogs and ease court congestion. The court, operational for three years, resolves cases within two months and does not require legal representation. Naila Abdullah from Sisters of Justice highlights the court's efficiency in resolving over 3,000 cases and recovering debts. However, awareness remains low, and the court is limited to civil debts and personal injury claims under one million shillings. Mary Kiroriti, a lawyer, notes the court's financial limitations.

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Legal Reforms Judicial System

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Amie Williams is a video and print journalist based in Athens, Greece. She has over twenty years of experience, freelancing for such outlets as Al Jazeera, PBS, CBC, Huffington Post, TruthDig, KPFK Radio, Free Speech TV, SABC and Kenya Nation TV. She has also produced and directed 6 award-winning ...

Nowhere To Turn: The Undeclared War on Women in Greece

09 Jun 2024  |  Women's eNews  |  English  |  Legal Reforms

Greece faces a severe femicide crisis, with the highest rate of men killing women in Europe. Recent cases, including the murder of Kyriaki Grivam, have sparked nationwide protests and calls for femicide to be recognized as a distinct crime. Despite some legal reforms, Greece lacks specific laws for femicide, and enforcement of existing laws remains weak. The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement on EU-wide rules to combat gender-based violence, but concerns persist about the influence of right-wing movements on violence against women. Experts emphasize the need for better data collection and enforcement of laws to protect women.

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Legal Reforms Femicide Gender-based Violence

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Kim Willsher is an award winning journalist based in Paris, France, writing for The Guardian, The Observer and the Los Angeles Times.

After Pelicot: how one woman’s courage has pushed France to a turning point

26 Oct 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Legal Reform

Gisèle Pelicot's trial against her former husband Dominique, accused of orchestrating her rape by multiple men, has become a pivotal moment in France's discourse on women's rights and legal reform. Pelicot's courage in waiving anonymity and facing her alleged rapists publicly has galvanized support and highlighted systemic issues in handling rape cases. Women's rights advocates, including Anne-Cécile Mailfert, argue for comprehensive legal changes to address a 'culture of rape' and impunity, while the justice minister considers adding 'consent' to the legal definition of rape. The case underscores the need for societal, cultural, and legal shifts, though financial constraints and political will pose challenges. Pelicot's bravery inspires other victims, but experts caution against oversimplifying the narrative.

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Legal Reform Women's Rights Rape Trial

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Emma Woollacott is a journalist based in Oxford, United Kingdom, writing in fields from science and tech to business and politics, freelance since 1992. I've written for most British broadsheet national newspapers, including the Times, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Guardian, as well as many ...

Law On Reliability Of Computer Evidence Should Change, Say IT Experts

15 Jan 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Legal Reform

A U.K. IT professional body, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is advocating for a change in the law to remove the presumption that computer systems data is always correct. This call comes in response to the Post Office Horizon scandal, where flawed data from Fujitsu's Horizon IT system led to wrongful prosecutions. Dr Sam De Silva of BCS highlights the difficulty non-IT specialists face in challenging computer-generated evidence. The BCS is urging a formal review to ensure organizations must prove the reliability of their computer systems in legal cases.

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Legal Reform Technology Justice System

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