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Civil actions involving the police
Sarah continues to advise and represent numerous forces in civil actions against the police, including in trials involving false imprisonment, assault and malicious prosecution. Often these cases also involve serious allegations of racial discrimination or claims of negligence by police officers. She has in the past had extensive experience of strike out and summary judgment applications, disclosure applications and applications for trial by jury.
Judicial review
Sarah has experience of judicial review proceedings arising out of crack house closure orders, as to whether an invalid closure notice is fatal to proceedings under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, as well as other judicial review proceedings involving magistrates’ courts decisions.
Sarah has also acted for numerous different government or statutory bodies (e.g. CPS, parole boards, probation boards) and Prisons in cases of judicial review and civil claims for false imprisonment arising from challenges to detention or treatment whilst detained. Many of her cases have involved claims under Art's 3, 5 and 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights.
Professional discipline
As a member of the police team Sarah is available to advise on and present disciplinary proceedings. She has experience of police disciplinary hearings.
Inquests
Sarah has wide experience of inquests. She acts on behalf of police forces, prisons and the Ministry of Defence.
Inquiries
Sarah has experience acting as counsel to public inquiries and is currently acting in the Baha Mousa inquiry.
Licensing
Sarah advises forces on licensing matters, including shotgun/firearms revocations.
Disclosure applications
Sarah frequently acts in disclosure applications in the High Court and crown courts. She represents police forces in cases in which it is necessary to assert confidentiality in relation to medical records, or documents created in the course of police investigation, or manage disclosure, such as those involving child abuse by a family member.
Dispute resolution Sarah acts in mediations in central London on behalf of the Metropolitan Police in cases involving wrongful arrest and unlawful search of person and property.
Other work
Sarah advises and represents forces in other matters including Police Property Act applications and applications under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. She also provides general operational advice on miscellaneous matters including advising on a Detained Persons No Smoking Policy and the carrying of folding pocket knives by officers on duty. Through her work as Treasury Counsel she acts on behalf of prisons in human rights cases brought against them by prisoners.
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