Research Briefing
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is the collective term for settling civil disputes with the help of an independent third party and without the need for a formal court hearing. Alternatives to litigation include: mediation, ombudsmen schemes and arbitration. In relevant circumstances, ADR schemes may offer certain advantages over going to court in that they can be more flexible, quicker, less stressful and less expensive.
Research Briefing
The 4 March presidential elections saw Jubilee Alliance candidate Uhuru Kenyatta win a narrow victory in the first round. , Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, are both due to be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the violence that followed the December 2007 elections. The victory of Kenyatta and Ruto has presented Western governments with a dilemma. While Western rhetorical support for the ICC remains strong, many in Kenya and beyond believe that pressure is being exerted on it ‘behind the scenes’ to soften its position so that the cases do not excessively impede Western cooperation with the new Government.
Research Briefing
This Bill, which is wide-ranging, will receive its second reading in the House of Commons on 10 June 2013. Amongst other changes, it would reform the “tool kit” of remedies for anti-social behaviour; amend the law on dangerous dogs; introduce new firearms offences; criminalise forced marriage; give powers to the new College of Policing; implement some of the Winsor report’s recommendations on police remuneration; provide new powers for the Independent Police Complaints Commission; and make changes to compensation for miscarriage of justice.
Research Briefing
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries.
Research Briefing
Iran's presidential election, due on 14 june, is unlikely to change Iranian policy over nuclear enrichment.
Research Briefing
Clauses 112-115 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill 2013-2014 would abolish the Police Negotiating Board, the current negotiating forum for police pay, and replace it with a new Police Remuneration Review Body. The Bill would take forward proposals in the final report of the Independent Review of Police Officer and Staff Remuneration and Conditions (the Winsor Review). This note outlines the historical background of the Police Negotiating Board, the relevant recommendations of the Winsor Review and the Government’s response to it.
Research Briefing
This Research Paper reviews recent developments in Members’ pay and expenses, and in ministerial salaries. It sets out current rates and provides a summary of expense limits, from 2010/11, under the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority’s MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses.
Research Briefing
The Children and Families Bill introduces a wide range of legislation concerning adoption and children in care, aspects of family justice law, special educational needs, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England, child care, statutory rights to leave and pay for parents and adopters, time off work for ante-natal care, and the right to request flexible working. This paper complements Research Paper 13/11 prepared for the Commons Second Reading.
Research Briefing
This note looks at some of the suggested reasons why productivity in the UK has not recovered to its previous levels – the so called ‘productivity puzzle’
Research Briefing
The current Energy Bill now has its Report Stage scheduled, for 3 June 2013. This note provides an update to some of the more controversial areas, and to previous Library research briefings on the Bill.
Research Briefing
This note summarises the legislation restricting the possession and use of firearms in England and Wales and proposals for change.
Research Briefing
This note explains the requirement to pay Local Housing Allowance direct to most tenants in the deregulated private rented sector since 7 April 2008.
Research Briefing
This note examines the controversy over reports that Cleveland Fire Brigade is proposing becoming a "Public Service Mutual", with Government support.
Research Briefing
A brief guide to key sources of economic statistics.
Research Briefing
The drawdown of British troops in Afghanistan has begun. The number of British troops in Afghanistan will be reduced to 5,200 by the end of 2013.
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