The Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association (IBA) is sending senior Scottish judge Lord McCluskey to Sri Lanka next week to observe the trial of the human rights campaigner Dr Jayalath Jayawardena, accused of being absent from his role as government medical officer without permission. He has been charged with criminal misappropriation and cheating. The IBA believes Jayawardena should be facing civil rather than criminal proceedings.
In brief: Working party to study appointment policy
Following an internal review of the appointment of counsel to act for the government in civil cases details of which were revealed in The Lawyer last week the Attorney General, John Morris QC, has set up a working party to look into the matter, chaired by the Solicitor General, Lord Falconer QC.
