Intimate Image Abuse Consultation: Webinar with Defence Practitioners and the Law Commission of England and Wales

The Law Commission has recently published its consultation paper on ‘Taking, Making and Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent’. Within the review they look at the current range of offences which apply in this area and identify present gaps in the scope of protection, considering amongst other behaviours ‘downblousing’, the creation of ‘deepfake’ images and threats to share intimate images. Provisional proposals are set out which aim to ensure that the criminal law provides consistent and effective protection.

As with any criminal law reform, questions arise as to whether the proposed changes will criminalise a wider range of behaviour than intended, whether there are concerns in relation to the rights to a private life and freedom of expression and whether evidential difficulties may arise by the new offences. With these issues in mind, input from the criminal defence community will be vitally important in shaping any future legislation.

Garden Court and the Law Commission will be addressing these topics and more in a virtual roundtable for defence practitioners on 22nd March at 4pm. Speakers include:

• Kate Aubrey-Johnson, Garden Court Chambers (Chair);
• Tom Wainwright, Garden Court Chambers;
• Abigail Bache, Garden Court Chambers;
• Joanne Cecil, Garden Court Chambers;
• Professor Penney Lewis, Law Commissioner for Criminal Law;
• Nadia Manzoor, Law Commission Lawyer;
• Roseanna Peck, Law Commission Research Assistant.

There will also be an opportunity for participants to raise questions, concerns, endorsements and objections in the course of this important and interesting webinar.

Recording