Civil law

This Commons Library briefing paper deals with the current procedure and qualifying criteria for making complaints against solicitors and other lawyers across the United Kingdom.

The Private International Law (Implementation of Agreements) Bill 2019-21 was introduced in the House of Lords in February 2020. It would implement arrangements for cross-border legal disputes after the end of the transition period, when EU based arrangements cease to have effect in the UK. The House of Commons will consider amendments made by the House of Lords on 24 November.

This briefing paper describes the findings of the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ investigation into the UK in 2016, the UK and Devolved Government reactions, and subsequent developments, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on disabled persons’ rights.

The Public Bill Committee for the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill concluded on 22 October 2020. Despite a significant number of tabled amendments to Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill, no changes were made. The Bill is not without controversy and MPs are expected to return to some of its more contentious provisions when it comes back to the Floor of the House. Report Stage is scheduled for 3 November 2020.

This Commons Library briefing paper deals with proposed changes to marriage registration in England and Wales – moving from a paper-based system to registration in an electronic register. This will facilitate the amendment of the form and content of the marriage register entry to include, for example, details of both parents of each of the parties to a marriage (and not just fathers' details, as at present)

A Westminster Hall debate on the spending of the Ministry of Justice on legal aid is scheduled for Thursday 22 October at 3pm. The Member leading the debate is Sir Robert Neill MP.

A Westminster Hall debate on ‘Progress on the Bishop of Truro’s independent review of persecution of Christians and freedom of religion or belief’ has been scheduled for Wednesday 21 October 2020 from 9.30am to 11.00am. The debate will be led by Rehman Chishti MP

This Commons Library briefing paper discusses the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities and provides related statistical and policy analysis.

This briefing paper considers the current status of humanist marriage ceremonies across the United Kingdom and Law Commission proposals for reforming the law relating to getting married in England and Wales

This briefing was last updated in January 2017.

This briefing paper considers the current law relating to legal gender recognition; the medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria; the current protections from discrimination; gender recognition and minors; the consultations on reform of the GRA; and the self-identification debate.

This briefing provides an overview of the Public Sector Equality Duty and related debate.

Efforts by the Home Office to remedy the injustices suffered by people caught up in the Windrush scandal are ongoing. The Windrush compensation scheme is operational, and legislation underpinning the scheme received Royal Assent in June 2020. But some stakeholders remain dissatisfied with aspects of the Home Office's response to the scandal, for example citing ongoing delays in processing cases and applications for compensation.