@samfowles.bsky.social
Pinned
Fantastic to discuss my constitutional law cases and how to save British democracy (and my book "Overruled: Confronting Our Vanishing Democracy in 8 Cases) with @johnnicolson.bsky.social at the @fleetstquarter.bsky.social festival of words.
Read more: tinyurl.com/fznd4fpw
Read more: tinyurl.com/fznd4fpw
To what extent must the courts defer to the Executive? Under Lord Reed the Supreme Court has generally pursued a deferential approach towards the government. But Shvidler v Secretary of State [2025] UKSC 30 may represent a change of course.
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publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/07/29/t...
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publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/07/29/t...
The Supreme Court’s judgment in Shvidler: Lord Leggatt’s Liversidge v Anderson moment
Today’s Supreme Court’s judgment in Shvidler v Foreign Secretary addresses key issues about the role of courts generally and appellate courts in particular when it comes to applying the propo…
publiclawforeveryone.com
August 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
To what extent must the courts defer to the Executive? Under Lord Reed the Supreme Court has generally pursued a deferential approach towards the government. But Shvidler v Secretary of State [2025] UKSC 30 may represent a change of course.
🧵
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/07/29/t...
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publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/07/29/t...
The Supreme Court has issued a dramatic new judgment on the Freedom of Information Act - in a 3-2 split amongst the court.
I acted for the Editor of @theecologist.org, Brendan Montague, supported by @globaljusticenow.bsky.social
Read my round-up of the case here: www.39essex.com/information-...
I acted for the Editor of @theecologist.org, Brendan Montague, supported by @globaljusticenow.bsky.social
Read my round-up of the case here: www.39essex.com/information-...
July 23, 2025 at 11:33 AM
The Supreme Court has issued a dramatic new judgment on the Freedom of Information Act - in a 3-2 split amongst the court.
I acted for the Editor of @theecologist.org, Brendan Montague, supported by @globaljusticenow.bsky.social
Read my round-up of the case here: www.39essex.com/information-...
I acted for the Editor of @theecologist.org, Brendan Montague, supported by @globaljusticenow.bsky.social
Read my round-up of the case here: www.39essex.com/information-...
The Chief Magistrate has dismissed a challenge to Soho's first new gin distillery in a century. The Court held the "Soho Society"s challenge (on alleged safety issues with distilling) failed because distilling is not a licensable activity and is regulated by a separate scheme.
tinyurl.com/55wzmker
tinyurl.com/55wzmker
June 16, 2025 at 8:59 AM
The Chief Magistrate has dismissed a challenge to Soho's first new gin distillery in a century. The Court held the "Soho Society"s challenge (on alleged safety issues with distilling) failed because distilling is not a licensable activity and is regulated by a separate scheme.
tinyurl.com/55wzmker
tinyurl.com/55wzmker
Political lying is undermining our democracy - I discussed why, and how the Welsh Senedd proposal to sanction political liars can be a solution with @jennifernadel.bsky.social Adam Price MS and ABC's Michelle Ainsworth
Listen here: shows.acast.com/truth-trust-...
Listen here: shows.acast.com/truth-trust-...
May 28, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Political lying is undermining our democracy - I discussed why, and how the Welsh Senedd proposal to sanction political liars can be a solution with @jennifernadel.bsky.social Adam Price MS and ABC's Michelle Ainsworth
Listen here: shows.acast.com/truth-trust-...
Listen here: shows.acast.com/truth-trust-...
Fantastic to discuss my constitutional law cases and how to save British democracy (and my book "Overruled: Confronting Our Vanishing Democracy in 8 Cases) with @johnnicolson.bsky.social at the @fleetstquarter.bsky.social festival of words.
Read more: tinyurl.com/fznd4fpw
Read more: tinyurl.com/fznd4fpw
May 22, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Fantastic to discuss my constitutional law cases and how to save British democracy (and my book "Overruled: Confronting Our Vanishing Democracy in 8 Cases) with @johnnicolson.bsky.social at the @fleetstquarter.bsky.social festival of words.
Read more: tinyurl.com/fznd4fpw
Read more: tinyurl.com/fznd4fpw
My book, "Overruled: Confronting Our Vanishing Democracy in 8 Cases, warned of a democratic recession. Unfortunately events proved me correct.
But democracy is still in the game, we can and must restore it. Join me as I discuss how to do it with @johnnicolson.bsky.social tinyurl.com/yph8up8p
But democracy is still in the game, we can and must restore it. Join me as I discuss how to do it with @johnnicolson.bsky.social tinyurl.com/yph8up8p
May 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
My book, "Overruled: Confronting Our Vanishing Democracy in 8 Cases, warned of a democratic recession. Unfortunately events proved me correct.
But democracy is still in the game, we can and must restore it. Join me as I discuss how to do it with @johnnicolson.bsky.social tinyurl.com/yph8up8p
But democracy is still in the game, we can and must restore it. Join me as I discuss how to do it with @johnnicolson.bsky.social tinyurl.com/yph8up8p
Democracy and the rule of law are both in retreat across the West.
But aren't dead yet.
I'll be discussing how to save democracy with John Nicolson at @fleetstquarter.bsky.social festival of words on 16 May.
Followers of my socials can get 50% off with the code FOW50
tinyurl.com/9b3xudez
But aren't dead yet.
I'll be discussing how to save democracy with John Nicolson at @fleetstquarter.bsky.social festival of words on 16 May.
Followers of my socials can get 50% off with the code FOW50
tinyurl.com/9b3xudez
May 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Democracy and the rule of law are both in retreat across the West.
But aren't dead yet.
I'll be discussing how to save democracy with John Nicolson at @fleetstquarter.bsky.social festival of words on 16 May.
Followers of my socials can get 50% off with the code FOW50
tinyurl.com/9b3xudez
But aren't dead yet.
I'll be discussing how to save democracy with John Nicolson at @fleetstquarter.bsky.social festival of words on 16 May.
Followers of my socials can get 50% off with the code FOW50
tinyurl.com/9b3xudez
Reposted
That UK Supreme Court decision
Sam Fowles in the Guardian has a useful overview here of what the decision in the UK Supreme Court was and, as importantly, was not. Ironically, for anyone who thought this would bring supposed clarity: The court’s decision means there are now multiple legal classes…
Sam Fowles in the Guardian has a useful overview here of what the decision in the UK Supreme Court was and, as importantly, was not. Ironically, for anyone who thought this would bring supposed clarity: The court’s decision means there are now multiple legal classes…
That UK Supreme Court decision
Sam Fowles in the Guardian has a useful overview here of what the decision in the UK Supreme Court was and, as importantly, was not. Ironically, for anyone who thought this would bring supposed clarity: The court’s decision means there are now multiple legal classes of “woman” and “man”, each of which invites a different interpretation of the act: cis women, trans women with a GRC, trans women without a GRC, cis men, trans men with a GRC, trans men without a GRC.
cedarlounge.wordpress.com
April 18, 2025 at 8:32 AM
That UK Supreme Court decision
Sam Fowles in the Guardian has a useful overview here of what the decision in the UK Supreme Court was and, as importantly, was not. Ironically, for anyone who thought this would bring supposed clarity: The court’s decision means there are now multiple legal classes…
Sam Fowles in the Guardian has a useful overview here of what the decision in the UK Supreme Court was and, as importantly, was not. Ironically, for anyone who thought this would bring supposed clarity: The court’s decision means there are now multiple legal classes…
Reposted
The supreme court didn’t rule on the definition of ‘a woman’ – this is what its judgment does mean by Sam Fowles, Barrister, in The Guardian today.
April 17, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The supreme court didn’t rule on the definition of ‘a woman’ – this is what its judgment does mean by Sam Fowles, Barrister, in The Guardian today.
Reposted
The court *explicitly* does not attempt to define “woman”. No matter the harms this judgment will cause an endlessly beleaguered & oppressed minority (whilst doing nothing about the real source of gender-based violence), we should not allow lazy headline writers to claim it means more that it does.
April 17, 2025 at 12:19 PM
The court *explicitly* does not attempt to define “woman”. No matter the harms this judgment will cause an endlessly beleaguered & oppressed minority (whilst doing nothing about the real source of gender-based violence), we should not allow lazy headline writers to claim it means more that it does.
#UK
#EnglishSupremeCourt
The supreme court didn’t rule on the definition of ‘a woman’ – this is what its judgment does mean www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
by @samfowles.bsky.social
#EnglishSupremeCourt
The supreme court didn’t rule on the definition of ‘a woman’ – this is what its judgment does mean www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
by @samfowles.bsky.social
April 17, 2025 at 9:13 AM
I broke down the Supreme Court's judgement in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers for The Guardian.
TLDR: The law is more complicated but relatively little has changed in practice.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
TLDR: The law is more complicated but relatively little has changed in practice.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The supreme court didn’t rule on the definition of ‘a woman’ – this is what its judgment does mean | Sam Fowles
The judges had to interpret the law as set down by parliament. But it must be remembered this is not an abstract debate; it concerns real people, says barrister Sam Fowles
www.theguardian.com
April 16, 2025 at 5:20 PM
I broke down the Supreme Court's judgement in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers for The Guardian.
TLDR: The law is more complicated but relatively little has changed in practice.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
TLDR: The law is more complicated but relatively little has changed in practice.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Can "public morals" be a basis for environmental protection?
According to a WTO Panel - yes!
Important authority for how post-Brexit UK (tied up in a network of restrictive TIA) can still regulate to protect the environment.
www.ejiltalk.org/the-right-to...
#environmentallaw #internationallaw
According to a WTO Panel - yes!
Important authority for how post-Brexit UK (tied up in a network of restrictive TIA) can still regulate to protect the environment.
www.ejiltalk.org/the-right-to...
#environmentallaw #internationallaw
April 15, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Can "public morals" be a basis for environmental protection?
According to a WTO Panel - yes!
Important authority for how post-Brexit UK (tied up in a network of restrictive TIA) can still regulate to protect the environment.
www.ejiltalk.org/the-right-to...
#environmentallaw #internationallaw
According to a WTO Panel - yes!
Important authority for how post-Brexit UK (tied up in a network of restrictive TIA) can still regulate to protect the environment.
www.ejiltalk.org/the-right-to...
#environmentallaw #internationallaw
Today the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) debates proposals to sanction politicians who lie. More than 2/3 of the public support strong measures.
The ICDR has developed a simple and easy to implement mechanism - read our briefing here.
The ICDR has developed a simple and easy to implement mechanism - read our briefing here.
Briefing to Senedd Members on Political Deception — ICDR
The ICDR has provided members of the Senedd with a briefing for its debate on proposals for new laws to crack down on political lying.
www.icdr.co.uk
April 2, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Today the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) debates proposals to sanction politicians who lie. More than 2/3 of the public support strong measures.
The ICDR has developed a simple and easy to implement mechanism - read our briefing here.
The ICDR has developed a simple and easy to implement mechanism - read our briefing here.
Great to join @jennifernadel.bsky.social of @compinpolitics.bsky.social at the Malvern Festival of Ideas to discuss how the rise of political lying has facilitated the rise of the far right and how we can stop it. (And sign some copies of "Overruled!")
March 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Great to join @jennifernadel.bsky.social of @compinpolitics.bsky.social at the Malvern Festival of Ideas to discuss how the rise of political lying has facilitated the rise of the far right and how we can stop it. (And sign some copies of "Overruled!")
Our democracy is under threat because capitalism is in crisis.
Looking forward to joining @JenniferNadel of @CompInPolitics to discuss “Capitalism, Democracy, and Bullshit” on Sunday at the @MalvernFI.
Some tics still available!
www.malvernfestivalofideas.org.uk/session/capi...
Looking forward to joining @JenniferNadel of @CompInPolitics to discuss “Capitalism, Democracy, and Bullshit” on Sunday at the @MalvernFI.
Some tics still available!
www.malvernfestivalofideas.org.uk/session/capi...
March 7, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Our democracy is under threat because capitalism is in crisis.
Looking forward to joining @JenniferNadel of @CompInPolitics to discuss “Capitalism, Democracy, and Bullshit” on Sunday at the @MalvernFI.
Some tics still available!
www.malvernfestivalofideas.org.uk/session/capi...
Looking forward to joining @JenniferNadel of @CompInPolitics to discuss “Capitalism, Democracy, and Bullshit” on Sunday at the @MalvernFI.
Some tics still available!
www.malvernfestivalofideas.org.uk/session/capi...
Politicians posturing about the Sentencing Council Guidelines are (intentionally or not)
promoting the far-right "two-tier justice" conspiracy theory.
The FR want voters to believe that BAME get secret advantages so they can justify their anti-minority politics. Politicians should call them out.
promoting the far-right "two-tier justice" conspiracy theory.
The FR want voters to believe that BAME get secret advantages so they can justify their anti-minority politics. Politicians should call them out.
March 6, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Politicians posturing about the Sentencing Council Guidelines are (intentionally or not)
promoting the far-right "two-tier justice" conspiracy theory.
The FR want voters to believe that BAME get secret advantages so they can justify their anti-minority politics. Politicians should call them out.
promoting the far-right "two-tier justice" conspiracy theory.
The FR want voters to believe that BAME get secret advantages so they can justify their anti-minority politics. Politicians should call them out.
Politicians are misleading the public about the Sentencing Council guidelines.
The SCG says ALL defendants facing prison should have a PSR unless it's unnecessary.
BAME people are statistically more likely to receive harsher sentences for the same crimes. So PSR is likely to be necessary.
The SCG says ALL defendants facing prison should have a PSR unless it's unnecessary.
BAME people are statistically more likely to receive harsher sentences for the same crimes. So PSR is likely to be necessary.
March 6, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Politicians are misleading the public about the Sentencing Council guidelines.
The SCG says ALL defendants facing prison should have a PSR unless it's unnecessary.
BAME people are statistically more likely to receive harsher sentences for the same crimes. So PSR is likely to be necessary.
The SCG says ALL defendants facing prison should have a PSR unless it's unnecessary.
BAME people are statistically more likely to receive harsher sentences for the same crimes. So PSR is likely to be necessary.
Reposted
This weekend at Malvern Festival of Ideas @jennifernadel.bsky.social joins barrister @samfowles.bsky.social to discuss how lies in the UK’s economy and democracy requires action. Covering the campaign to stop political deception and the Welsh Parliament’s new legislation to criminalise it.
March 5, 2025 at 3:32 PM
This weekend at Malvern Festival of Ideas @jennifernadel.bsky.social joins barrister @samfowles.bsky.social to discuss how lies in the UK’s economy and democracy requires action. Covering the campaign to stop political deception and the Welsh Parliament’s new legislation to criminalise it.
Reposted
The Senedd has published a report recommending that politicians who deliberately lie to the public should face criminal penalties.
Matt Hutchings KC, @joecannonlondon.bsky.social & @samfowles.bsky.social have advised on the legality of these proposals.
➡️ cornerstonebarristers.com/welsh-parlia...
Matt Hutchings KC, @joecannonlondon.bsky.social & @samfowles.bsky.social have advised on the legality of these proposals.
➡️ cornerstonebarristers.com/welsh-parlia...
Welsh Parliament Committee Recommends Criminalising Politicians Who Deliberately Lie | Cornerstone Barristers
The Senedd Standards Committee has published a report recommending that politicians who deliberately lie to the public should face criminal penalties. The report proposes amending […]
cornerstonebarristers.com
February 26, 2025 at 10:56 AM
The Senedd has published a report recommending that politicians who deliberately lie to the public should face criminal penalties.
Matt Hutchings KC, @joecannonlondon.bsky.social & @samfowles.bsky.social have advised on the legality of these proposals.
➡️ cornerstonebarristers.com/welsh-parlia...
Matt Hutchings KC, @joecannonlondon.bsky.social & @samfowles.bsky.social have advised on the legality of these proposals.
➡️ cornerstonebarristers.com/welsh-parlia...
There has (ironically) been misinformation about the recommendations of the Senedd Committee report on political honesty. I set the record straight this week.
Short 🧵
1. The Committee recommend criminalising politicians who make false statement of fact during election campaigns.
Short 🧵
1. The Committee recommend criminalising politicians who make false statement of fact during election campaigns.
February 22, 2025 at 11:22 AM
There has (ironically) been misinformation about the recommendations of the Senedd Committee report on political honesty. I set the record straight this week.
Short 🧵
1. The Committee recommend criminalising politicians who make false statement of fact during election campaigns.
Short 🧵
1. The Committee recommend criminalising politicians who make false statement of fact during election campaigns.
Reposted
This is a bold and globally pioneering initiative from the Senedd. A complex and often legally technical challenge. There's still a long way to go, but cross-partisan support and a genuine focus on rebuilding trust in public life has won through. Quick thread...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Welsh politicians caught lying could lose seats in Senedd
But calls for deception by Senedd members to be made a criminal offence are rejected.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 21, 2025 at 12:07 PM
This is a bold and globally pioneering initiative from the Senedd. A complex and often legally technical challenge. There's still a long way to go, but cross-partisan support and a genuine focus on rebuilding trust in public life has won through. Quick thread...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted
I'm glad I could provide advice (in a small way) as member of the working group for the ICDR "White Paper" proposal to the Senedd inquiry—presented by the indomitable @samfowles.bsky.social
www.icdr.co.uk/news/icdr-se...
www.icdr.co.uk/news/icdr-se...
ICDR Sets Out Blueprint for Senedd Political Honesty Law — ICDR
The Institute for Constitutional and Democratic Research has set out a model for the Welsh Government’s proposed law to penalise politicians who deliberately mislead the public. The ICDR’s white Paper...
www.icdr.co.uk
February 21, 2025 at 12:07 PM
I'm glad I could provide advice (in a small way) as member of the working group for the ICDR "White Paper" proposal to the Senedd inquiry—presented by the indomitable @samfowles.bsky.social
www.icdr.co.uk/news/icdr-se...
www.icdr.co.uk/news/icdr-se...
The Lady Chief Justice was right to say that politicians shouldn't publicly attack judges.
Parliament makes law but, once made, it applies equally to everyone and is applied by judges. It's very worrying that politicians are now trying to influence how the *independent* courts decide cases.
Parliament makes law but, once made, it applies equally to everyone and is applied by judges. It's very worrying that politicians are now trying to influence how the *independent* courts decide cases.
February 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
The Lady Chief Justice was right to say that politicians shouldn't publicly attack judges.
Parliament makes law but, once made, it applies equally to everyone and is applied by judges. It's very worrying that politicians are now trying to influence how the *independent* courts decide cases.
Parliament makes law but, once made, it applies equally to everyone and is applied by judges. It's very worrying that politicians are now trying to influence how the *independent* courts decide cases.