The charge of murder will be rewritten to provide a defence in cases of assisted suicide if a landmark case being heard by the high court in London is successful.
Tony Nicklinson, who has locked-in syndrome, wants the common law defence of necessity to be extended to provide a defence in cases of assisted suicide.
His barrister, Paul Bowen QC, told the court the current law meant Nicklinson was "condemned to an existence he does not wish to live in a state of suffering and indignity that no one should be forced to endure". He denied that the case was the start of a "slippery slope" towards unregulated euthanasia.
The legal change would cover a charge of murder in cases of voluntary active euthanasia after a judge had sanctioned the act. The sanction would only be given if the court were satisfied that the person was suffering from a medical condition that caused "unbearable suffering".
In addition, the patient would need to have given "a voluntary, clear, settled and informed wish to end his own life". The judge would also need to be convinced there were no alternative means available by which their suffering might be relieved.
Nicklinson, 58, suffered a catastrophic stroke in 2005 while on a business trip to Athens which left him paralysed below the neck and unable to speak.
He communicates by blinking and limited head movement and sums up his existence as "dull, miserable, demeaning, undignified and intolerable".
Before the stroke, Nicklinson, from Melksham, Wiltshire, was a "very active and outgoing man". He describes having no "privacy or dignity left" and says he objects to having his right to choose taken away from him.
Nicklinson, who wants a doctor to be able to lawfully end his life, was not able to be in court for the four-day hearing. Through his lawyer, he told three judges he was not seeking to persuade the court to "introduce an all-encompassing new regime legalising euthanasia and assisted suicide".
At present, the practice of voluntary active euthanasia constitutes the offence of murder for which there is only one possible sentence: life imprisonment.
In addition to causing suffering, said Bowen, the law as it stood constituted a serious interference with Nicklinson's rights under common law and the European convention on Human Rights of autonomy and dignity.
Bowen emphasised that Nicklinson was not seeking the unregulated legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The case was not the start of a "slipperly slope, only the striking of a balance in law that better suits the values of modern Britain", he said.
Instead, in the absence of statutory regulation, Nicklinson is fighting for a common law defence of necessity to be granted to doctors who assist people to die after an order has been sought by the courts in advance. It would sit alongside the existing laws.
"The law is anomalous and discriminatory. It fails to protect the very people it is intended to protect," said Bowen, from Doughty Street Chambers. "It has not stopped the widespread practice of euthanasia but has forced it underground, where it is unregulated; it encourages those with the means and the ability to go abroad to Switzerland, where they meet their end earlier than they might otherwise wish; and for those without the means it offers a Hobson's choice of an amateur, DIY suicide or continued suffering."
Bowen said: "There is no reason to suppose that the balance, once struck, would inevitably lead to the dystopian future conjured up by the opponents of change … The claimant's proposal of prior sanction by a court would provide the strongest possible safeguard against abuse. It would also provide a safeguard against the concern, often expressed by disabled opponents of legalisation, that a change in the law would lead to a change in people's attitudes to disabled people, who they predict would come under subtle pressure to seek an assisted death through fear of being a 'burden'."
Bowen went on to argue that a change in the law might have further benefits: "It may lead to the regulation of practices that, while currently legal (such as the use of DNR [do not resuscitate] notices) are unregulated and lacking in transparency, as has happened in the Netherlands. A change in the law may also lead to further improvements in palliative care, a feature in all countries in which an assisted dying regime has been introduced."
Arguing against Nicklinson, the Ministry of Justice cited a 1993 case in which voluntary active euthanasia was described by Lord Goff of Chieveley as an "act [that crosses] the Rubicon which runs between on the one hand the care of the living patient and on the other hand euthanasia – actively causing his death to avoid or to end his suffering. Euthanasia is not lawful at common law."
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
London Welsh appeal put back - Belfast Telegraph
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
The case will now be heard on June 28 - it was originally scheduled for Thursday - under agreement by all parties involved.
The independent panel will compromise of James Dingemans QC (chairman), Ian Mill QC and Tim Ward QC at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Welsh won this season's Championship after beating Cornish Pirates in both legs of the final.
But the Richmond-based club were told just hours before the first leg kicked off in Cornwall they did not meet minimum standards criteria set down by English rugby's Professional Game Board for entry to the Premiership.
The Exiles played the final's second leg at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, which is thought to be their preferred venue should they gain top-flight status.
As things stand, Newcastle will remain in the Premiership next term despite finishing bottom a point behind Wasps this season.
But should London Welsh succeed in overturning an original decision that went against them, they will go up and the Falcons be relegated.
Source: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Investing in the legacy of the London 2012 Games - The Independent
Since day one, Cisco has anticipated with pleasure, the mammoth task of providing the network infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Not least because the legacy of this investment will benefit London and the UK for many years to come.
Part of this legacy is already under way in the form of the Cisco Networking Academies. This is a global, online education programme that teaches students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks, giving them access to career and economic opportunities they would never otherwise have had. Between now and 2013 Cisco aims to open 30 new Cisco Networking Academies in East and South-east London, capable of improving the prospects of more than 4,000 students in the next five years.
Cisco will equip selected Networking Academy schools and colleges with technology, ITE and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) online training and lab equipment. However, the academies are not restricted to traditional schools, colleges and universities. Cisco has run successful academies in places as diverse as community centres, football clubs, prisons, military bases and even homeless shelters.
To demonstrate the potential of the programme, Cisco is staging the Inspiration Roadshow. Roger Black, winner of Olympic silver and World Championship gold, will inspire young people to consider careers in networking, and encourage schools to become Networking Academies. With him will be Sean Kelly who, with the help of the Networking Academy, turned his prison sentence into a lifechanging career opportunity. Kelly is a perfect example of how Cisco’s Networking Academies can change the lives of young people in London.
In years to come, the 30th Olympic and Paralympic Games will be remembered not only for breathtaking feats of athleticism, but also for the event that launched a new era in education. Students in East London and across the UK will be able to create their own life changing experiences, through Cisco’s Networking Academies.
To find out how Cisco could help prepare your students for the future, visit: www.ciscolondon2012.co.uk/learn/cisco-academy
In association with Cisco, Official Network Infrastructure Supporter for London 2012
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Interest from local community is key to enduring legacy of Olympics Many organisations involved in the Games are already looking ahead to the legacy they'll leave behind.
Read more...
Source: www.independent.co.uk
Essex Property to Develop Assets - Zacks.com
Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS - Snapshot Report), a real estate investment trust (REIT), recently acquired two adjacent land parcels for the development of two apartment communities in San Francisco, California. The two buildings scheduled to come up would have nine stories each and consist of 463 apartment homes and 9,300 square feet of retail space.
The two development communities will include various amenities like an urban park, rooftop decks, clubhouse, fitness center and spa. Essex Propertyexpects the properties to open in spring 2014 for a total cost of approximately $250 million.The company has entered into a joint venture with an institutional investor for the project where it will hold a 55% stake and will also earn development and management fees for the two communities.
The project is located in the vibrant SOMA district of San Francisco and is in close proximity to shopping and entertainment centers with access to various modes of public transport.
The company will also benefit from the fact that San Francisco is one of the leading metropolitan areas in the U.S. in terms of rent growth owing to the limited supply of housing and high paying job opportunities.
Based in Palo Alto, California, Essex Property acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages apartment communities primarily in highly desirable, supply-constrained markets. Essex Property currently owns 158 multi-family properties with an additional 8 properties in various stages of development.
Essex Property currently retains a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating. We presently have a long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock. One of its competitors, BRE Properties Inc. (BRE - Analyst Report) has a Zacks #4 Rank, which translates into a short-term Sell rating.
Read the full analyst report on (
Read the full analyst report on BRE
Read the full analyst report on ESS
Source: www.zacks.com
James Franklin relishing ‘electric atmosphere’ at Chelmsford - East Anglian Daily Times
Essex Eagles' new overseas signing James Franklin
By Nick Garnham
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
9:00 AM
OVERSEAS signing James Franklin is relishing the “electric atmosphere” generated at the Ford County Ground when he makes his home debut for Essex Eagles tomorrow night.
The New Zealand all-rounder made his Friends Life t20 bow for the county in last Wednesday’s 17-run defeat in the Eagles’ opening group game against Surrey at the Kia Oval.
Franklin, who arrived in England three weeks ago and has spent the last fortnight with his new team mates, said he jumped at the chance to play for Essex in this season’s competition.
“The opportunity was too good to turn down – I didn’t bother to explore too many other options. Essex are a quality t20 side – I have played against them in the past, so I know what a formidable side they are,” he said.
“Graham Napier and Owais Shah have also both played with me for Wellington and Ryan ten Doeschate has also played in New Zealand before.”
Both Shah and ten Doeschate missed the start of the domestic season as they were involved in the fourth season of the Indian Premier League, which saw Franklin opening the batting for Mumbai Indians alongside Sachin Tendulkar.
Mumbai finished third in the IPL, and Franklin sees no reason why Essex can’t go all the way in the English equivalent of cricket’s shortest format and bring the coveted trophy back to Chelmsford for the first time.
“Absolutely, but it is another thing going out there and walking the walk – we have got to win games of cricket,” said Franklin.
The 31-year-old, who has had spells in county cricket with Gloucestershire and Glamorgan, has previously played in both the championship and CB40 competitions at Chelmsford.
He said: “I know a bit about the atmosphere, but I have not played in a t20 game at Chelmsford before. The lads have said it is an electric atmosphere under the floodlights, so I am looking forward to that.”
Franklin, who shoulders the burden of being Essex’s sole overseas import in this season’s competition after Australian Peter Siddle pulled out, said of his role: “First and foremost I hope to put some runs on the board and contribute well with the ball.
“We have got six or seven bowling options, so we can spread the load and look to pick up some wickets.”
Source: www.eadt.co.uk
'TOWIE' Lauren Goodger: 'Mark Wright and I still love each other' - Digital Spy
Source: www.digitalspy.co.uk
'It's sexier in the city': Why randy Boris Johnson loves London life - Daily Mail
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Cities appeal for many reasons - a thriving nightlife, a kaleidoscope of culture and the higher salaries.
But London Mayor Boris Johnson has claimed crowds of men flock to the capital because there are a 'greater range of girls of reproductive choice' found occupying London's bars and nightclubs.
The Mayor, who has cheated on two wives including his current other half Marina, says men are drawn to the high numbers of women in urban areas.
Better options: Mayor of London Boris Johnson has declared that he loves city love so much because there is 'a greater range of girls' to choose from in bars
In a searingly honest interview, Mr Johnson said he was motivated by fame and that he wants to assume 'supreme power in England' despite admitting recently that he is more likely to be 'decapitated by a frisbee' than succeed Mr Cameron as Prime Minister.
He said: 'We seek cities because there are a greater range of girls at the bar, of reproductive choice.
'But above all, talented people seek cities for fame. They can't get famous in the f****** village'.
In his most glaring statement of intent so far, Mr Johnson said he wants to become Prime Minister so that he can build a new airport in the South-East.
Frisky: Mr Johnson has previously been caught cheating on his second wife Marina (pictured)
The former MP has irritated Mr Cameron’s aides with hints that he would do a better job than his Eton and Oxford contemporary.
But in recent months he has stressed that he would serve a second full term as mayor, claiming that he is more likely to be ‘reincarnated as an olive’ than to succeed Mr Cameron.
His latest comments come on a tour of New York, the city of his birth, to promote his new book Johnson’s Life Of London: The People Who Made The City That Made The World.
Mr Johnson – a firm advocate of an island airport on the Thames – told New York Magazine: 'London is the most commercially important city in Europe, and it’s the most populous city.
Honest: His latest comments came while promoting his new book on a tour of New York, where he appeared on the David Letterman show
'It should be for the whole of the European continent what New York is to America. That’s what it should be. And in many ways it is.
‘We have to have a new airport.One of the only reasons I want to assume supreme power in England is to make sure that happens.’
He then added: 'For God’s sake, don’t quote me saying that.'
A Downing Street spokesman confirmed that an ‘aviation strategy’ would be published in autumn.
A Tory MP described Mr Johnson’s admission as ‘a refreshing blast of honesty and self-awareness’, adding: ‘It is a collector’s item.’
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
BECAUSE HE CAN AFFORD TO
- MAN ON A SOAP BOX, KENT, 19/6/2012 15:39
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