The Guardian · 15 Apr, 06:00
Joint enterprise convictions in England and Wales have tripled since the 1980s, with a report calling for law changes to hold individuals accountable only for their own actions. The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies found that sentences have become harsher under the doctrine, leading to 'job lot' prosecutions.
A report by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS) found that joint enterprise convictions in England and Wales have increased significantly over the past four decades. The number of homicide cases involving three or more defendants tripled between 1984 and 2024, from 18 to 54 cases per year. The report also found that sentences have become harsher, with 42% of defendants convicted of manslaughter in multi-defendant cases receiving a prison sentence of over 10 years in 2022, compared to 7% in 2012. The CCJS is calling for changes to the law to ensure individuals are held accountable only for their own actions.
Why it matters: The report's findings are significant because they highlight concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the joint enterprise doctrine. The CCJS argues that the current approach leads to 'job lot' prosecutions, where individuals are convicted of serious crimes they did not physically carry out. This can result in disproportionately harsh sentences for those who are not the main perpetrators. The report's recommendations aim to address these concerns and ensure that individuals are held accountable for their own actions.
18 (number of homicide cases involving three or more defendants in 1984), 54 (number of homicide cases involving three or more defendants in 2024), 42% (proportion of defendants convicted of manslaughter in multi-defendant cases receiving a prison sentence of over 10 years in 2022), 7% (proportion of defendants convicted of manslaughter in multi-defendant cases receiving a prison sentence of over 10 years in 2012), 40% (proportion of those convicted in homicide cases involving four or more people aged 18-24), 3 (times more likely for black people to be convicted in group cases of four or more defendants compared to white people)
Helen Mills, director of programmes at the CCJS and co-author of the report, said: 'There are clear limits to what can be achieved through legal challenges and individual appeals alone. With the Law Commission currently reviewing homicide laws and the government expressing a commitment to fixing a broken justice system, there is a unique opportunity to move beyond the current logjam. In place of an unjust, job lot approach, we need some nuance, making sure people are held to account for what they actually did.'
The Guardian · 15 Apr, 05:54
A Sydney judge has overturned bail conditions restricting an anti-Herzog protester, Siena Hopper, from entering the City of Sydney, deeming them unreasonable. Hopper, one of 26 people charged after a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, had pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer.
Siena Hopper, a Sydney anti-Herzog protester with no criminal history, had her bail conditions overturned by a judge. The conditions, imposed by police, barred her from attending any 'unlawful protests' and restricted her from entering the City of Sydney except for work or to attend court. Hopper is one of 26 people charged after a protest in February at Sydney town hall against Israeli President Isaac Herzog. A police prosecutor opposed the request to remove her bail condition, but Deputy Chief Judge Michael Antrum found the conditions to be unreasonable.
Why it matters: This decision is significant as it challenges the trend of police imposing place restriction conditions on protesters for relatively minor protest-related offences. Lawyers argue that such conditions are typically used for offences like domestic violence and are being used to prevent people from exercising their democratic right to protest. The police watchdog is continuing to investigate allegations of widespread police misconduct at the protest.
26 people charged after the protest, 30 more people may be charged, 7 years in prison (maximum sentence for Jace Turner's charge of assaulting a police officer)
“This is a condition typically used for offences like domestic violence to stop offenders from going near the resident or place of work of the complainant. We are seeing this concerning trend of the police imposing these place restriction conditions on protesters for relatively minor protest-related offences, and the only discernible motive we can see on the part of the police is to prevent them from exercising the democratic right to protest.” - Nick Hanna, lawyer acting on behalf of several protesters
The Guardian · 15 Apr, 05:13
The High Court of Australia has ruled that Victoria's political donation laws are unconstitutional, effectively removing limits on donations and disclosure requirements ahead of the November state election. The decision may have implications for similar campaign finance laws in other Australian states and at the federal level.
The High Court of Australia unanimously ruled that Victoria's political donation laws, which were introduced in 2018 and capped campaign donations at $4,970 per individual per term, are unconstitutional. The laws exempted major parties, including Labor, Liberal, and National parties, from the cap through their 'nominated entities'. The court's decision, which was brought about by a case filed by two independent candidates, declared the entire section of the Electoral Act that introduced the donation caps and exemptions invalid.
Why it matters: The ruling leaves Victoria with no limits on political donations and no disclosure requirements ahead of the November state election, sparking concerns about the integrity of the electoral system. The decision may also have implications for similar campaign finance laws introduced by the South Australian and federal governments. The court's ruling has been welcomed by the plaintiffs, who argue that it will create a level playing field for all candidates.
$4,970 (the previous donation cap per individual per term), 2018 (year the laws were introduced), 2022 (year the laws came into effect), November (the month of the state election), 1 July 2020 (the date after which new nominated entities were subject to the donation cap)
Today's judgment makes it clear: governments cannot rig electoral laws in favour of major parties and expect to get away with it - Catherine Williams, Centre for Public Integrity executive director
Ars Technica · 14 Apr, 22:42
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims that the country's military robots and drones have successfully overcome a Russian military position and forced the surrender of Russian soldiers without human intervention. This development highlights the growing role of robots and drones in the war and their potential to take on dangerous tasks in future conflicts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country's military robots and drones have demonstrated the ability to overcome a Russian military position and force the surrender of Russian soldiers without human intervention. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine's military robots have completed over 22,000 missions in the last three months. The Ukrainian defense ministry also reported a threefold increase in uncrewed ground vehicle missions over the last five months, with over 9,000 robotic missions conducted in March. While Zelenskyy's claim has not been independently verified, there are previous examples of Russian soldiers surrendering to Ukrainian drones and robots.
Why it matters: This development is significant because it highlights the growing role of robots and drones in the war and their potential to take on dangerous tasks in future conflicts. The use of robots and drones can help offset the risks to humans and potentially change the nature of modern warfare. If true, Zelenskyy's claim would represent a significant robotic milestone in the ongoing war.
22,000 (missions completed by Ukrainian military robots in the last three months), 9,000 (robotic missions conducted in March), 3 (months, timeframe for the 22,000 missions), 5 (months, timeframe for the threefold increase in uncrewed ground vehicle missions)
Ars Technica · 14 Apr, 17:00
Google has introduced 'Skills' in Chrome, a feature that allows users to save and reuse Gemini prompts with a single click. This makes it easier to repeat tasks that were already possible with Gemini in Chrome.
Google has added a new feature called 'Skills' to its Chrome browser. Skills are reusable prompts that can be accessed while browsing with a single click. They allow users to save favorite prompts and quickly access them without having to reenter them manually. The desktop version of Chrome will remember saved Skills across devices as long as the user is logged in to their Google account.
Why it matters: This feature is significant because it makes it easier for users to interact with Google's AI tools, specifically Gemini, in the Chrome browser. By allowing users to save and reuse prompts, Skills streamlines tasks and increases efficiency.
Ars Technica · 14 Apr, 19:58
Microsoft has increased prices for its Surface PCs, with two-year-old models seeing $300 price hikes, and all new models now starting at $1,000 or more. The price increases are attributed to rising memory and component costs.
Microsoft has raised the prices of its Surface PCs, with the 12-inch Surface Pro tablet and 13-inch Surface Laptop now costing $1,049 and $1,149 respectively, up $250 from their original prices. The higher-end Surface Laptop and 13-inch Surface Pro from 2024 now start at $1,499, a $300 increase. All new Surface devices now start at $1,000 or more, with Microsoft discontinuing models under $1,000.
Why it matters: The price hikes are significant as they affect consumers who are looking for affordable Surface devices. The increases are attributed to rising memory and component costs, which have been impacting the tech industry as a whole. This change in pricing strategy may influence consumer purchasing decisions and loyalty.
$250, $300, $799, $899, $999, $1,000, $1,049, $1,149, $1,199, $1,499
NPR News · 14 Apr, 20:50
A new species of glass frog has been discovered in Ecuador and named after Olympic gold medalist Neisi Dajomes.
A new species of glass frog has been identified in Ecuador. The frog was named in honor of Neisi Dajomes, an Ecuadorian weightlifter who became the first Ecuadorian woman to win an Olympic gold medal. The discovery was made by researchers, though the article does not specify the details of the discovery process or the characteristics of the new species.
Why it matters: The discovery of a new species contributes to the understanding of biodiversity and conservation efforts. It also highlights the achievements of Neisi Dajomes, recognizing her as a notable figure in Ecuadorian sports.
NPR News · 14 Apr, 20:34
Summary not available.
NPR News · 14 Apr, 19:13
Summary not available.