In re Al M

Subject Matter

INTERNATIONAL LAW — State immunity — Assurances — Wardship proceedings concerning children of ruler of sovereign state — Ruler offering assurances as to future conduct and waiving immunity in respect of enforcement of any orders to be made in proceedings — Whether court to accept ruler’s assurances and waivers — Whether providing adequate protection to children — Whether enforceable in event of breach

[2020] EWHC 67 (Fam); [2020] 1 WLR 1858; [2020] 2 FLR 443; [2020] WLR (D) 179, Fam D

CHILDREN — Wardship — Fact-finding hearing — Mother making serious allegations against father — Burden and standard of proof — Whether hearsay evidence admissible — Whether father’s failure to attend affecting proceedings — Civil Evidence Act 1995, s 4 — Freedom of Information Act 2000, s 27(1)(a) — Children (Admissibility of Hearsay Evidence) Order 1993

[2019] EWHC 3415 (Fam); [2020] 2 FLR 409, Fam D

CHILDREN — Wardship — Reporting restrictions — Appeal against publication order — Whether publication of judgment before conclusion of proceedings premature — Whether interest of children paramount in balancing exercise — Principles to be applied — Administration of Justice Act 1960, s 12(1) — Children Act 1989, ss 1(1), 97 — Human Rights Act 1998, s 12, Sch 1, Pt I, arts 8, 10

[2020] EWCA Civ 283; [2020] 2 FLR 493, CA

CHILDREN — Proceedings relating to children — Reporting restrictions — Media seeking publication of judgments — Father opposing publication until conclusion of proceedings — Whether publication in interests of welfare of children — Whether judgments to be made public — Balancing of Convention rights — Administration of Justice Act 1960, s 12(1) — Children Act 1989, s 97(2)(4) — Human Rights Act 1998, s 12, Sch 1, Pt I, arts 6, 8, 10

[2020] EWHC 122 (Fam); [2020] 2 FLR 463, Fam D

CHILDREN — Custody rights — Breach

[2019] EWHC 3415 (Fam); [2020] 2 FLR 409, Fam D

Commentary

Transparency Project
The Sheikh Story Case comment

BarristerBlogger
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Inforrm's Blog
Re Al M: an oasis of transparency in a desert of secrets Case comment

Global Freedom of Expression (Columbia University)
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Makhtoum v. Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint al Hussein Case comment