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Category: Law
Dungeons & Dragons licence changes threaten the fan community the game relies upon – legal expert explains
Dr Kim Barker is a senior lecturer in law at The Open University specialising in internet law – particularly online games. Here she talks about the popular Dungeons & Dragons game and how its new licence is making major digital waves. Dungeons & Dragons has a longstanding appeal as a role-playing game – or as […]
‘Alternative’ weddings could become legally binding – report
An Open University academic’s research has helped pave the way for the possibility of ‘alternative-style’ weddings becoming legally binding in England and Wales. Celebrants from non-religious belief organisations, such as humanists, already conduct legally binding weddings in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. If you attended a really personalised wedding-style ceremony this year, it was probably conducted […]
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OU academics contribute to new BBC Ideas film: ‘Does it ever pay to represent yourself in court?’
Appearing in court without representation is becoming increasingly common. But is it a sensible strategy? Academics from The Open University’s Open Justice Centre have answered exactly this question in a new BBC Ideas film titled ‘Does it ever pay to represent yourself in court?’. Open Justice Centre Director Francine Ryan, Professor of Law and Social […]
Governments, the law, and long-term issues for Ukrainian refugees
It could be many years before Ukrainian refugees will be able to go back home even if the war ended soon so governments in countries of refuge may need to be thinking of a long-term plan of action. That’s according to Dr Natalia Szablewska, Professor in Law and Society at The Open University who specialises […]
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No fault divorce: how the new law will reduce family conflict
Dr Andrew Gilbert is a Senior Lecturer in Law at The Open University and writes for The Conversation about a new divorce law that is set to reduce conflict between couples making things better for children following the divorce. After more than 50 years, the law governing divorce – the process of legally dissolving a […]
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The rise and rise of independent wedding celebrants
Research conducted by Dr Stephanie Pywell, a Senior Lecturer in Law at The Open University, found that more and more couples are seeking the expertise of independent wedding celebrants for unique ceremonies. Most engaged couples in England and Wales have to choose between a religious wedding and a secular ceremony conducted in the presence of […]
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Juries are subject to all kinds of biases when it comes to deciding on a trial
By Dr Lee John Curley, The Open University; Itiel Dror, UCL, and Dr James Munro, The Open University From CSI to Law and Order, Line of Duty and Midsomer Murders, there is huge public fascination with crime and the criminal justice system. Especially when things come to a climactic ending and jurors decide on a […]
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Accolades bestowed in Business and Law Student and Alumni Awards
In a year like no other, The Open University’s Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) enjoyed a double celebration for the achievements of its students and alumni. The pandemic put paid to its awards in 2020 but this year they returned, although they looked a lot different. Around 50 people gathered for the event, mostly […]
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Domestic homicides remain stable during lockdown but still an enduring problem says new report commissioned by police
Domestic homicides remain an ‘entrenched and enduring problem’ despite figures remaining relatively stable during lockdown, a new report drawing on research by an OU academic and commissioned by police has found. ‘Domestic Homicides and Suspected Victim Suicides During the Covid-19 Pandemic 2020-2021’ is the first report of the Domestic Homicide Project, established by the National […]
Geronimo the alpaca – the case for animals having the same legal rights as people
Written by Fred Motson, Lecturer in Law, at The Open University. The fate of Geronimo the alpaca was seemingly sealed in the UK’s high court recently when the appeal against an order to slaughter him was rejected. After twice testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB), Geronimo’s death was ordered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural […]
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