Articles

Charged with Domestic Burglary – What is the ‘Three Strike Rule’ and When Does it Apply? written by Zach Brettell

A common question in Criminal Courts dealing with offences of domestic burglaries, that is, burglaries of homes/dwellings, is whether they are covered by the ‘Three Strike Rule’. The more legal term for this rule is Section 314, Sentencing Act 2020. The application of the rule will have a significant impact upon the alleged offender, therefore […]

Charged with Domestic Burglary – What is the ‘Three Strike Rule’ and When Does it Apply? written by Zach Brettell Read More »

The Sentencing Act 2026 and Suspended Sentences: What’s new? written by Emily Andrew

The Sentencing Act 2026 – What does it actually do? On 22 March 2026, the Sentencing Act 2026 came into force. With it came a number of significant changes to sentencing powers as we know them, particularly in relation to Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment. In short, the Sentencing Act 2026 allows for sentences of 3

The Sentencing Act 2026 and Suspended Sentences: What’s new? written by Emily Andrew Read More »

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Witness Familiarisation Support And Courses

These are a few examples of courses in which our members have been involved:

  • Witness familiarisation with trainee police officers and special constables from Northamptonshire Police, where the officers were questioned regarding their statements about ‘mock’ arrest exercises
  • Similar exercises with detectives from the West Midlands Police
  • Witness familiarisation with officers of the Northamptonshire Probation Service.  These officers were given training on the process of giving evidence in sentencing hearings in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court
  • Expert witness familiarisation and training, with expert witnesses such as independent Forensic Scientists, and officers of the Health and Safety Executive. The exercises involved questioning regarding expert reports prepared by the participants

Equal Opportunity Policy

 

Citadel’s members come from a range of backgrounds and everyone is treated with the same respect as part of our Chamber’s community. 

 

We operate an equal opportunity policy and act in accordance with the Bar Code of Conduct and the Equality Code for the Bar.

 

We seek to prevent direct or indirect discrimination towards our clients, staff, tenants and pupils, on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality or citizenship, political persuasion, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or age.

Maternity / Paternity Policy

We support all members  who  are fortunate enough to become parents.   Whilst Citadel has written policies dealing with issues of maternity and paternity leave for members of Chambers and support staff, we also try to be flexible in our approach and to accommodate individual needs.

Uniquely (to our knowledge) we offer direct financial support to members returning from parental leave in order to cushion the cash flow impact of return to practice . 

Click here to listen to a podcast about our members with children and how we deal with childcare issues.