The University of Buckingham Press Journals
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An Operational Analysis of County Lines and Serious Organised Crime Data From the Police National Database Using i2 Analyst’s Notebook
Full text linkThe Police National Database (PND) is an invaluable National source of cross-border intelligence, yet its data has historically been underexploited for core tasks of network and criminal business analysis. This operational analysis by the National County Lines Coordination Centre explores the investigative scale, depth, results and efficiency benefits of importing and analysing PND data in i2 Analyst’s Notebook (ANB). PND exports of East Midlands, West Midlands and Police Scotland data were imported, merged and deconflicted. The resulting analysis produced several findings using existing data that, while adequately recorded, had not previously been understood in a Regional and National context. These results included identifying vulnerable children and adults, the criminal business model responsible for exploiting them, and the best opportunities for intervention and disruption – as well as identifying previously unknown links between Organised Crime Groups (OCG) and County Lines, improving Police understanding of their criminality and exploitation. The analysis highlights the investigative opportunities afforded when the value of existing intelligence is maximized using appropriate tools and tradecraft. The i2 tools and tradecraft for PND described herein have been recommended as best practice to all Analysts in the National County Lines Coordination Centre Network
Sustainable Development and Eradication of Poverty in Nigeria: Institutional Investors as a Primary Tool
Full text linkIn response to the growing challenge of inequality around the world, the United Nations in 2015 adopted the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, a set of seventeen (17) sustainable development goals (SDGs). Chief amongst them is the goal to reduce inequalities among and within countries by reducing income inequalities: SDG1. To enable effective implementation of the goal, the United Nations calls for a global partnership, involving the public and private sectors. Placing its core emphasis on the Nigerian private sector, this article examines, from a doctrinal and analytical perspective, the strategic contributions institutional investors in Nigeria can make in combating inequality. The article identifies ‘Responsible Investment’, a growing international phenomenon, as one of the veritableinstruments that can be engaged in bridging the inequality gap prevalent in the country
The Voice of the Trees in the Law of Armed Conflict
No full textThis article takes up questions of environmental protection, in the law and practice of armed conflict with a specific focus on the figure of the speaking tree as invoked in discussions of the protection of tree and plant life. The article canvasses historical works in which this figure appears, from the early work of Philo of Alexandria and Josephus through to the discussion of their work by Hugo Grotius. Through this endeavour, the article attempts to take seriously the figure of animated trees with the standing to speak and to be heard in legal forums. I conclude that it is not only a common humanity that is at stake in doing this, but re-orienting the interests of human creatures as in relation to the protection of trees and forests, and other ‘inanimate objects’
Mergers in the US Gambling and Horse Racing Industries: What It Means for Local Economic Development and Taxation
No full textEven before the Covid-19 pandemic, most sectors of the various gambling industries in the United States were showing signs of stagnation. Over the last few years, these industries have seen mergers between horse racing tracks, between horse racing tracks and casinos to form “racinos”, and between casino companies. Many gambling facilities and racetracks have closed and have been sold to developers to be used for other purposes. An industry “shakeout” is occurring, and there appears to be a trend toward greater industry concentration as consumers are showing less and less interest in gambling in general. This has been partially fueled by stagnation of disposable personal income over the last 20 years or so. Consumer preferences and attitudes also seem to have changed regarding horse racing and gambling. Sports gambling and the expansion of online gambling do not appear to have offset negative trends. These current conditions are somewhat a reversal of past fortunes in that in the 1980s and 1990s the opening of a casino in a city often was considered a plus for local economic development. As more consolidation and establishment closures occur, the impact on various local communities and state governments must be examined regarding lost jobs, lost local and state tax revenues, and lost tourism. This paper is an attempt to assess these developments
Copyright and Generative AI
Full text linkThis is an opinion piece looking at the UK legal copyright framework, human creativity, generative artificial intelligence, and if you need to get permission from the creators or owners of on-line content such as writing, photos, music and film to scrape their content to build AI systems. There is huge concern in the UK’s economically vital and “soft power” driving creative industries, especially when the AI output competes directly with the very content that is used to make the generative AI tool work in the first place. There are essentially two opposing views and this article presents one side
Time Sensitive Interviews with Suspects, Witnesses, and Informants: Challenges and Opportunities
Full text linkObtaining information quickly is crucial in many law enforcement, security, and military operations, particularly in time-sensitive scenarios such as terrorist attacks, hostage situations, or dynamic operational contexts. This article examines the challenges inherent in the task of eliciting time-sensitive information, focusing on the difficulties faced by both interviewers and interviewees in high-pressure or time-limited situations. We review current legislative provisions for urgent interviews and identify a significant gap in empirical research on effective methodologies for information gathering in such scenarios. Here we argue for the adoption of rapport-based approaches, supported by empirical evidence, to improve the efficacy of time-sensitive elicitation. In particular, we examine the adaptability of the ORBIT model of communication and the recently developed rapport-based Time-Critical Questioning (TCQ) protocol for this context. Research to date indicates that rapport-based strategies, that emphasize clear and adaptive communication, foster focus and cooperation and increase the yield of actionable intelligence in time-sensitive situations. Finally, we outline a roadmap for future research and practice, encouraging collaborative efforts to develop evidence-based practice and training that address the unique challenges of time-sensitive interviews and enhance operational outcomes
Contemporary International Environmental Law: The Precautionary Principle and Reversal of the Burden of Proof
Full text linkAssessing the burden of proof concerning the safety of human activities for both health and the environment presents a nuanced and intricate challenge. This paper delves into the evolving standards of burden of proof, examining the application and consequences within international environmental law. It addresses the issue of the allocation of the burden of proving harmlessness between developers and those impacted by activities. Employing a doctrinal research approach, this paper observes a shift in the allocation of the burden of proof in contemporary international environmental law. The paper synopsises that debate over the burden of proof is primarily bifurcated into two perspectives: traditional or treaty and judicial or contemporary approaches. The former posits that the responsibility to prove harmlessness rests with the developer be it private entities or the state to ensure that activities conducted within their jurisdiction do not harm the environment. Conversely, the latter marks a shift where opponents of an activity bear the obligation to furnish evidence of the harmful implications of an activity to be halted
Suicide: The Scope of the Investigation in the Coroner’s Court
No full textThere has been public concern that some suicides are not investigated to identify causes or triggers, unless required by the European Convention on Human Rights. The paper reviews the statute and case law governing the decision of the Coroner as to the scope of investigation into suicide. The role of the Coroner in assessing public interest is discussed. There is particular reference to allegations of bullying. The science of suicide and bullying is reviewed and their impact on how an inquest is held is considered. Drawing together the science and caselaw, a framework is proposed for judicial decision making
A Case for the Human Rights Approach to Climate Change: India
Full text linkClimate change can no longer be viewed through the singular environmental lens; its impact on human rights must be considered to gain a comprehensive understanding of its consequences. Not only is climate change devastating the environment, it is depriving many of the enjoyment of their homes and basic human necessities. Consideration must be given to the potential benefits human rights law can offer in the fight against the consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, there appears to be hesitation about implementing the human rights approach. Some arguments have leaned in favour of the environmental approach due to concerns about the inability to assign accountability and the possibility that including the human rights approach will obscure the innate value of the environment. Hence, the objective of this article is to explore the importance and benefits of adopting a human rights approach to foster a balance between the two approaches. This article focuses on India which, due to its significant climatic disturbances, serves as an ideal example of the human rights violations resulting from climate change. The method used in the study underpinning this article was a doctrinal review of the relevant literature, including journal articles, legislation, and international legal documents. The debate of which approach is more effective may continue for years to come, with both sides presenting plausible arguments. However, the solely environmental approach has not proved to be the most effective. Implementing the human rights approach to climate change should be intentionally considered without nullifying the environmental approach