Justice Legislation
Laws relating to criminal justice, court procedures, legal services, law enforcement, and judicial administration.
The Gambling Act 2005 (Commencement No. 6 and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order amends the 2006 Order, which implements parts of the 2005 Gambling Act, specifically concerning regulations for converted casino premises licenses in England and Wales.
It allows for up to 80 gaming machines in such casinos under certain conditions (minimum gambling area, machine categories, and ratios to gaming tables), with connected premises also subject to overall machine limits.
The Secretary of State will periodically review the regulatory provisions and publish reports.
The Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective July 22, 2025, amend the Gambling Act 2005 and related regulations governing casinos in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Key changes include altering the calculation of permissible gaming machines per table, reducing the minimum size requirement of the casino's table gaming area, and introducing new mandatory conditions for converted casino premises licenses based on the size of their gaming and non-gaming spaces and the number of gaming machines.
The Secretary of State is also required to regularly review and report on these changes.
The Tuberculosis in Animals (England) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Tuberculosis in Animals (England) (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2021 Order to clarify the power to slaughter animals infected with tuberculosis, remove outdated references to the European Union Common Agricultural Policy, and broaden the Secretary of State's authority to publish information aiding tuberculosis prevention.
The amendment also adds several parishes to Schedule 3, expanding the specified areas covered under the order.
It comes into force on July 15, 2025 and covers England and Wales.
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Fees Notification) Regulations 2025
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Fees Notification) Regulations 2025, effective September 14, 2025, mandate evidence submission by providers of regulated online services to OFCOM for fee calculations under the 2023 Act.
These regulations specify the required information, including financial statements and declarations of accuracy, and the prescribed method for submission, clarifying the process outlined in the Online Safety Act 2023.
The Enterprise Act 2002 (Amendment of Section 58 Considerations) Order 2025
The Enterprise Act 2002 (Amendment of Section 58 Considerations) Order 2025, effective July 24, 2025, amends the Enterprise Act 2002 to modernize its approach to media mergers.
It updates terminology, replacing 'newspapers' with 'news media' and including broadcasting, thus expanding and clarifying the public interest considerations involved in merger reviews.
These amendments also entail procedural changes in designated sections of the Act and the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.
A savings provision protects the effects of pre-existing decisions.
The Criminal and Civil Legal Aid (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Criminal and Civil Legal Aid (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective June 27, 2025, amend existing regulations concerning civil and criminal legal aid in England and Wales.
Key changes include the removal of contribution requirements for individuals qualifying for legal aid, streamlining procedural aspects related to certificate issuance, determination withdrawal, and review processes.
Transitional provisions ensure the regulations apply to ongoing cases, including waivers for past contributions in certain circumstances, and adjustments to application processing timelines.
These amendments aim to simplify legal aid systems and broaden access to justice.
The Local Authorities (Referendums and Election of Mayors) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing legislation governing local authority referendums and mayoral elections in England.
The key changes postpone referendums and subsequent mayoral elections, if the petition or resolution falls between July 16, 2025, and the day before the 2026 ordinary election, until after the 2026 election, ensuring better alignment with regular election cycles.
This aims to enhance efficiency, reduce conflict, and possibly increase voter turnout.
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (Commencement No. 7) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective June 25, 2025, implement several sections of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.
Key provisions include allowing victims of certain crimes to submit impact statements at mental health tribunals and appointing a standing advocate for victims of major incidents.
The regulations also clarify information-sharing practices and data protection concerns related to these processes.
These provisions represent the seventh set of commencement regulations under the 2024 Act.