InTuition

Eleanor Parsons - Writer From a young age, we are often asked which superpower we would like to have. Most say flying, super-speed or mind-reading. Some say invisibility. However, for those with invisible disabilities, this wish can soon become a nightmare. Through this article, I intend to give an insight into living with invisible illnesses as a young adult, through my own experience and from others around me. Invisible (or hidden) disabilities are often a taboo subject - one of those areas which many people fear discussing, for fear that they too might ‘catch it'. Invisible disabilities can cover a wide range of areas, from mobility conditions and mental health conditions through to epilepsy and many others. There are 13.3 million people registered with a disability in the UK, accounting for nearly 1 in 5 of the population. Far more people will suffer from a hidden disability than one which is physically apparent, but yet those who do are largely ignored within society. ...

Eleanor Parsons - Writer Emergent technologies are any technologies, software or hardware developed since the introduction of the Internet. These technologies have sped up globalisation, creating worldwide reaching communication channels which operate in real time. In recent years, the misuse of these technologies has contributed to issues such as increased radicalisation into terrorist organisations through the use of social media, or major international crisis as seen during the Wannacry virus attack in 2017. As such, retrospective legal or political responses to crime no longer meet the risks that misuse of these technologies pose. These responses must now change in order to address the growing contemporary threat. However, where we move to a society of suspicion and monitoring rather than retrospective investigation, we put the whole population at risk of having their civil liberties eroded, and the protective rule of law weakened. The question is, where should the line be draw...

Eleanor Parsons - Writer The ‘Prevent’ strategy has been mentioned in passing for many years, without much explanation. This strategy was enacted as part of the ‘Contest’ preventive policy by the UK Home Office in 2003 and has been subsequently strengthened in scope in recent years as the threat of terrorism, and the processes of radicalisation have changed.The policy was initially put in place to respond to the increasing threat of terrorism in the western world, specifically following the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Its four key aims focused on preventing, pursuing, protecting and preparing the UK for the risks posed by such terrorism. As time has progressed, the ‘Prevent’ strategy within the policy has been updated to address the risk posed by Daesh. This is due to the new tactic implemented by Daesh to groom young people through the use of social media.  The strategy was repurposed as a ‘duty’ in 2015 (under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015) which put ...

Eleanor Parsons - Writer ‘Extinction Rebellion’ (XR) are currently making their presence known on the streets of London. Their action began with a nude protest in Parliament on the 1st of April 2019, and has proceeded to civil disobedience across the City of London. The action is planned to continue until April 29th according to the group’s website. Who are Extinction Rebellion? As defined by the Guardian ‘ Extinction Rebellion is an international protest group that uses non-violent civil disobedience to campaign on environmental issues. Demonstrations have included blocking bridges to traffic in London and a semi-naked protest inside the House of Commons. ’ The group’s website lists three main ‘demands’ for the UK - for the Government to ‘tell the truth’ by declaring an emergency on climate change, for the Government to ‘act now’ by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and for the issue to be taken ‘beyond politics’ and be led by citizens input. The action and ...

Eleanor Parsons - Writer This piece will consider the introduction of No Fault Divorce into English and Welsh law, particularly following the highly publicised case of Owens v Owens in 2018. It will consider the old position, the one to be introduced shortly, as well as the pros and cons of this area of Family law, alongside a brief comparison with other jurisdictions. The Process Contrary to popular belief, not everybody applies for a divorce is granted one automatically. In English and Welsh law, there is only one ground for divorce - irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. For this to be satisfied, there must be one of five facts proven - adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, 2 years separation with consent and 5 years separation without. This is set out under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Section 2 of the Act requires that a court cannot rule on irretrievable breakdown unless one of those facts has been proven. This process is widely accepted as trite law in Engla...

Eleanor Parsons - Writer Look at any of the leading law firms’ recruitment literature and guidance over the past few years and you will see one emerging area mentioned more than all the rest - technology, and its uses in the legal services industry. Technology is the fastest changing entity in our society, and has overhauled entire business areas in the space of two decades. It is understandable therefore, that as Law firms within the service industry move to a more automated style of working, many individuals in the formative stages of their careers may feel insecure about what jobs will await them in future years. The fabled roles of Trainee and newly-qualified (NQ) solicitors, Paralegals and Legal Secretaries can often stem from wide generalisations, and this piece in no way intends to suggest that the only work that these practitioners carry out is menial or purely administrative in nature. In fact, it is this work and attention to detail that makes real difference where it com...