As the traditional boxing day hunts come around, it is a timely reminder that this area of law is still far from clear. Hunts with hounds and birds of prey remain an area open to interpretation as mentioned in the interim injunction case of Fitzwilliam Land Company and others v Cheesman and others [2018] EWHC 3139 (QB). 

​A key issue in the response to this injunction was whether the hunt was illegal due to the use of hounds and birds of prey. The Hunt suggested that they were not acting unlawfully as they were hunting on an artificial trial laid, with hounds. On the occasion the hounds would find a fox, they would continue to flush the fox into open ground upon which a bird of prey, a Golden Eagle, would be used to kill the fox. The Respondents argued as recorded in paragraph 37 of the judgement that: 

The judge noted that it was persuasive at this stage that the Hunt may have been acting unlawfully when hunting in this manner. The Respondents did not take part in the final determination of the issues in the matter, and it appears it was never determined. As such it remains a live, ongoing issue. 

Adam has created a rough and ready calculator for those wishing to calculate damages for periods of which they have been unlawfully detained. The calculator  is here. The calculator is a rough and ready estimate. It does not replace legal advice and you should always seek independent legal advice.

The Commission have released a new and updated practice direction in relation to what has been identified as "​increasing numbers of late appeals and improperly instituted appeals."

Paragraph 16 sets out what it expects from the Appellants representatives, which includes "It is the responsibility of appellants’ representatives to fill in the notice of appeal accurately and completely. This includes accurately recording the date of service of the notice of the decision which is challenged (by reference, where appropriate, to any applicable rules about service), and calculating when the time for lodging the appeal expired. Those exercises must be done in accordance with the Rules (see 9, 11, 10 and 13, above). It is not acceptable for appellants’ representatives to leave this work to the Commission or to GLD." and not leaving boxes blank. 

Paragraph 26 onwards makes clear that the Commission expect a legal representative to have the authority of the Appellant to file an appeal and completed it in accordance with their instructions. 

These directions which appear to be stating the obvious appear to be a start towards placing further hurdles in the way particularly of solicitors in these matters. 

If you need help with your appeal see the page here

Adam has now moved to Scott-Moncrieff & Associates solicitors as a solicitor advocate. He will continue to deliver his litigation and advocacy services. Adam will continue to develop his committal practice, and is producing a detailed page on procedure for committal. Adam is going to continue to develop his pro bono practice, and is on duty on the 9 December 2019, at the RCJ Court 37. Adam continues to work with LawWorks to develop a pro bono immigration service at the Upper Tribunal