Carl Gardner
@carlgardner.bsky.social
Backroom legal obsessive. Former law lecturer and government lawyer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlgardner/ Also books, beer, films, and a bit of politics. London and Warrington.
Imagine he supports Russian threats rather than fearing them, and it all makes sense.
Question in Copenhagen: why is Trump focussed on a Russian threat that doesn't exist (in Greenland) as opposed to one where it does (Ukraine)?
January 19, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Imagine he supports Russian threats rather than fearing them, and it all makes sense.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Thatcher wrote in her memoirs: “I was to have many disputes with President Mitterrand in later years. But I never forgot the debt we owed him for his personal support throughout the Falklands crisis.”
Defence Secretary John Nott: “In so many ways Mitterrand and the French were our greatest allies”.
Defence Secretary John Nott: “In so many ways Mitterrand and the French were our greatest allies”.
Untrue, of course. UK got lots of support, and never asked for military intervention. But it's not the South Atlantic Treaty Org. At US insistence to avoid colonial wars, NATO only covers Europe, N. America, and the Atlantic north of the Tropic of Cancer. e.g. Hawaii and Guam aren't covered, either.
January 18, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Thatcher wrote in her memoirs: “I was to have many disputes with President Mitterrand in later years. But I never forgot the debt we owed him for his personal support throughout the Falklands crisis.”
Defence Secretary John Nott: “In so many ways Mitterrand and the French were our greatest allies”.
Defence Secretary John Nott: “In so many ways Mitterrand and the French were our greatest allies”.
If he were at all serious about the Greenland threat from Russia and China, his threats and stupid tariffs would be against Russia and China. Some unknown allegiance or influence makes Trump threaten and undermine Europe and NATO instead, objectively serving Putin’s strategic interests.
January 17, 2026 at 6:25 PM
If he were at all serious about the Greenland threat from Russia and China, his threats and stupid tariffs would be against Russia and China. Some unknown allegiance or influence makes Trump threaten and undermine Europe and NATO instead, objectively serving Putin’s strategic interests.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
The tariffs (other than the steel ones) aren't lawful. The IEEPA doesn't authorise this on any reasonable reading of its provisions.
SCOTUS should decide that. Indeed it should have decided that already, but there must be disagreement.
SCOTUS should decide that. Indeed it should have decided that already, but there must be disagreement.
January 17, 2026 at 5:19 PM
The tariffs (other than the steel ones) aren't lawful. The IEEPA doesn't authorise this on any reasonable reading of its provisions.
SCOTUS should decide that. Indeed it should have decided that already, but there must be disagreement.
SCOTUS should decide that. Indeed it should have decided that already, but there must be disagreement.
It must be worth the Nobel people changing things so that recipients make a legally binding agreement not only that the medal cannot be transferred, but that it remains the property of Nobel and must be returned if required.
January 16, 2026 at 12:23 PM
It must be worth the Nobel people changing things so that recipients make a legally binding agreement not only that the medal cannot be transferred, but that it remains the property of Nobel and must be returned if required.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Lord Reed is just a great lawyer. The best lawyer we've had as President, and one of the great judges of the last 50 years. At least Sales will presumably replace him as President.
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-re...
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-re...
Lord Reed announces his retirement from the UK Supreme Court - UK Supreme Court
Lord Reed of Allermuir to retire from the UK Supreme Court
supremecourt.uk
January 16, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Lord Reed is just a great lawyer. The best lawyer we've had as President, and one of the great judges of the last 50 years. At least Sales will presumably replace him as President.
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-re...
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-re...
If anyone out there really is thinking of bringing Gordon Brown back, for pity's sake put him on the economy or poverty and keep him well away from the constitution.
“Tony Blair should come back as foreign secretary” — Anthony Seldon observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Brown, Blair, Miliband – the ghosts of Labour’s past can ...
The party would be idiotic to ditch Starmer. He should call in the old guard to protect his flanks until the next general election
observer.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 11:02 AM
If anyone out there really is thinking of bringing Gordon Brown back, for pity's sake put him on the economy or poverty and keep him well away from the constitution.
Jenrick's sacking is a huge opportunity for the Conservatives to reject Farage-Brexitism for good, rediscover its more moderate and sensible tradition, and heal. But I don't think the leader has the insight or capacity even to consider it.
January 15, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Jenrick's sacking is a huge opportunity for the Conservatives to reject Farage-Brexitism for good, rediscover its more moderate and sensible tradition, and heal. But I don't think the leader has the insight or capacity even to consider it.
In The Traitors it seems to be widely believed that a barrister (or ex barrister) must have extraordinary powers of telling truth from lie, and superhuman persuasive and strategic skill. A belief Harriet did her level best to demolish tonight.
January 14, 2026 at 11:22 PM
In The Traitors it seems to be widely believed that a barrister (or ex barrister) must have extraordinary powers of telling truth from lie, and superhuman persuasive and strategic skill. A belief Harriet did her level best to demolish tonight.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
I mentioned earlier today that I had done a watercolour of the London Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand. This is it from 1993 (see alt text). I did several paintings wandering up and down the Strand and also in the Inns of Court.
#London #TheStrand #watercolour #ink
#London #TheStrand #watercolour #ink
January 13, 2026 at 6:16 PM
I mentioned earlier today that I had done a watercolour of the London Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand. This is it from 1993 (see alt text). I did several paintings wandering up and down the Strand and also in the Inns of Court.
#London #TheStrand #watercolour #ink
#London #TheStrand #watercolour #ink
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Sir Nicholas Mostyn's obituary of Sir James Munby for the Financial Remedies Journal,
Sir James Munby Obituary
Sir Nicholas Mostyn writes about the life of Sir James Munby, who died on 1 January 2026: "a great leader, a brilliant historian, a remarkable lawyer, and a superb writer".
financialremediesjournal.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Sir Nicholas Mostyn's obituary of Sir James Munby for the Financial Remedies Journal,
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Do courts bother to consider applications to vacate hearings any more? I've had multiple cases where we've applied to change a hearing date, chased the court multiple times, but no response has been received and no decision has been made by the time of the hearing.
January 12, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Do courts bother to consider applications to vacate hearings any more? I've had multiple cases where we've applied to change a hearing date, chased the court multiple times, but no response has been received and no decision has been made by the time of the hearing.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
there should be some sort of rule prohibiting describing the politicians who held roles in the Johnson interregnum period (after everyone resigned and before the Truss interregnum) as really holding the office they were appointed to for 6 weeks or so.
January 12, 2026 at 12:30 PM
there should be some sort of rule prohibiting describing the politicians who held roles in the Johnson interregnum period (after everyone resigned and before the Truss interregnum) as really holding the office they were appointed to for 6 weeks or so.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
My wishlist for the next Master of the Rolls:
1) A particular interest in cases outside the High Court.
2) A focus on boring IT like document management systems rather than blue-sky-thinking.
3) Someone who has practised as a mediator.
What about yours?
1) A particular interest in cases outside the High Court.
2) A focus on boring IT like document management systems rather than blue-sky-thinking.
3) Someone who has practised as a mediator.
What about yours?
Sir Geoffrey Vos has announced that he will retire from the judiciary and as Master of the Rolls on 31 October 2026, when he will be 71. By then, will have spent a decade in senior judicial leadership roles.
www.judiciary.uk/master-of-th...
www.judiciary.uk/master-of-th...
Master of the Rolls announces forthcoming retirement from the judiciary - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Read more about Sir Geoffrey Vos, the second most senior judge in England and Wales, and his long and distinguished career
www.judiciary.uk
January 12, 2026 at 12:40 PM
My wishlist for the next Master of the Rolls:
1) A particular interest in cases outside the High Court.
2) A focus on boring IT like document management systems rather than blue-sky-thinking.
3) Someone who has practised as a mediator.
What about yours?
1) A particular interest in cases outside the High Court.
2) A focus on boring IT like document management systems rather than blue-sky-thinking.
3) Someone who has practised as a mediator.
What about yours?
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Turner/Constable exhibit. Only painting behind perspex so that you cant see it properly because of the reflection.
A condition imposed by the gallery lending to the Tate.
Presumably, other galleries are now refusing to lend at all.
Thanks a lot Just Stop Oil.
A condition imposed by the gallery lending to the Tate.
Presumably, other galleries are now refusing to lend at all.
Thanks a lot Just Stop Oil.
January 9, 2026 at 1:16 PM
Turner/Constable exhibit. Only painting behind perspex so that you cant see it properly because of the reflection.
A condition imposed by the gallery lending to the Tate.
Presumably, other galleries are now refusing to lend at all.
Thanks a lot Just Stop Oil.
A condition imposed by the gallery lending to the Tate.
Presumably, other galleries are now refusing to lend at all.
Thanks a lot Just Stop Oil.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Tributes pour in for Sir James Munby, the former head of the family division of the High Court, who died suddenly on new year's days -- in the @lawsocgazette. www.lawgazette.co.uk/practice/mor...
'Moral clarity and compassion': Former family chief Munby dies at 77
Tributes pour in to Sir James Munby, former president of the Family Division, who died suddenly on new year's day.
www.lawgazette.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Tributes pour in for Sir James Munby, the former head of the family division of the High Court, who died suddenly on new year's days -- in the @lawsocgazette. www.lawgazette.co.uk/practice/mor...
I'm far from expert on trade mark law, but doesn't he also face the problem that the words at least in his mark "Cambridge Rowing" seem more descriptive than distinctive?
Dear Lord…when “trademark row” was right there
University of Cambridge in trademark battle with rowing company
The 800-year-old university is in a legal battle with the founder of a rowing company.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 10:10 AM
I'm far from expert on trade mark law, but doesn't he also face the problem that the words at least in his mark "Cambridge Rowing" seem more descriptive than distinctive?
Reposted by Carl Gardner
I am very sad about this. James Munby was not just clever and driven, he was also funny and kind.
We are very sad to learn of the death last week of Sir James Munby, the former President of the Family Division and an active supporter of The Transparency Project. No doubt much will be said in the next few days about Sir James' huge contribution to... https://transparencyproject.org.uk/?p=30229
January 8, 2026 at 4:08 PM
I am very sad about this. James Munby was not just clever and driven, he was also funny and kind.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
The Supreme Court is again assuming (I think) that a decision it makes binds all UK legal systems (except Scotland in crime). But I never quite see how that stands with Constit Reform Act 2005 s 41(2) - a decision is that of a court of the part of the UK the appeal comes from. R (Jwanczuk) v SoSWP.
January 6, 2026 at 11:36 AM
The Supreme Court is again assuming (I think) that a decision it makes binds all UK legal systems (except Scotland in crime). But I never quite see how that stands with Constit Reform Act 2005 s 41(2) - a decision is that of a court of the part of the UK the appeal comes from. R (Jwanczuk) v SoSWP.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Reposted by Carl Gardner
But what if Maduro’s involvement in the drug trade was an “official act”?
January 3, 2026 at 3:32 PM
But what if Maduro’s involvement in the drug trade was an “official act”?
I think it's in episode 1, which apparently went out at New Year, that the Doctor enjoys some wine and gorgonzola. And when I was a nipper around then, I remember stinky gorgonzola being a staple joke in comics. Maybe there was a fad for it in early 70s Britain.
ON THIS DAY... In 1972, Day of the Daleks was first broadcast on BBC1, launching Season 9.
Originally broadcast from 1st - 22nd January 1972.
Ratings: Episode One: 9.8M. Episode Two: 10.4M. Episode Three: 9.1M. Episode Four: 9.1M.
Art by Lee Johnson 🎨
#DoctorWho
Originally broadcast from 1st - 22nd January 1972.
Ratings: Episode One: 9.8M. Episode Two: 10.4M. Episode Three: 9.1M. Episode Four: 9.1M.
Art by Lee Johnson 🎨
#DoctorWho
January 2, 2026 at 12:25 PM
I think it's in episode 1, which apparently went out at New Year, that the Doctor enjoys some wine and gorgonzola. And when I was a nipper around then, I remember stinky gorgonzola being a staple joke in comics. Maybe there was a fad for it in early 70s Britain.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Watched Back to the Future 1-3 with the kids yesterday as we were waiting for the New Year.
The portrayal of Biff Tannen as a grotesque, sexist, criminal millionaire who has taken over America now seems painfully prescient rather than comedic. The parallels (also optically) are mind boggling.
The portrayal of Biff Tannen as a grotesque, sexist, criminal millionaire who has taken over America now seems painfully prescient rather than comedic. The parallels (also optically) are mind boggling.
January 1, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Watched Back to the Future 1-3 with the kids yesterday as we were waiting for the New Year.
The portrayal of Biff Tannen as a grotesque, sexist, criminal millionaire who has taken over America now seems painfully prescient rather than comedic. The parallels (also optically) are mind boggling.
The portrayal of Biff Tannen as a grotesque, sexist, criminal millionaire who has taken over America now seems painfully prescient rather than comedic. The parallels (also optically) are mind boggling.
I’ve been saying for a while that it’d be great if you could watch The Traitors without knowing who they were. The BBC have granted my wish in part so I should be happy now. But I wonder if this way of doing it will improve the game, or detract from it.
January 1, 2026 at 11:02 PM
I’ve been saying for a while that it’d be great if you could watch The Traitors without knowing who they were. The BBC have granted my wish in part so I should be happy now. But I wonder if this way of doing it will improve the game, or detract from it.
Reposted by Carl Gardner
Good thread of comments here on advocacy undertaken by Government Law Officers.
bsky.app/profile/giff...
bsky.app/profile/giff...
Worth noting the demands of prosecuting have increased dramatically in the 20 to 30 years since Lord Goldsmith and Sir Derek were law officers. (And even more since the period of AGs prosecuting poisonings and the like.) Not just in terms of court time but also general workload.
December 31, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Good thread of comments here on advocacy undertaken by Government Law Officers.
bsky.app/profile/giff...
bsky.app/profile/giff...