September 2012

Insurance Law is a tricky subject – and a very specialised one as well, because commerce and trade depend very much upon it, and therefore sums insured in certain circumstances can be astronomical. Take, for example, the loss that could incur if a large Boeing 757 with 300 passengers aboard crashed in the middle of a city, killing all the passengers and devastating 200 yards square of housing, its occupants, their cars and their furniture.

The controversial question of euthanasia has been brought to the fore once again in recent months as Tony Nicklinson took his fight for a dignified death to the courts. Last week Mr Nicklinson’s application to the courts was denied, and a week later, after refusing nourishment or medical treatment, he died from pneumonia. This debate, like others that deal with an issue that sits at the crossroads of religious and ethical matters, has brought about both intelligent discussion and a recession into vitriol, hate and judgment.

If you haven’t already heard, 12 September 2012 is National PA Day. This will be the 2nd annual celebration of Britain’s PAs – the people who make Britain’s offices work – so why not be part of it by spending the day with your fellow PAs at Office?

This annual day will celebrate Britain’s PAs – the unsung heroes of Britain’s offices – and aims to highlight the increasing importance of the estimated 600,000 highly skilled PAs working in offices across the UK and to promote the profession to well-educated young people seeking an exciting and stimulating career.

There are many people who believe that the life of a Student is an easy and carefree one. But this is not necessarily true. The practises and habits that you set in place when you are a Student will often remain with you for the rest of your life and lead to your success. So it is important to realise that you have both strong points and weak points, and to then do what you can to improve yourself.

Challenging unhelpful negative thoughts is a skill. These thoughts are not facts, and by challenging them we can differentiate between what is real and what is distorted emotional interpretation. When we temper and control the emotional black-and-white thinking, which comes from an agitated emotional brain, we can better access our thinking rational brain (our higher intelligence) and see things with a far clearer perspective. This is good emotional intelligence, not least because it is fair, realistic and balanced.

Once you’ve taken the Oath or given an Affirmation in Court you are legally obliged to be completely honest. If you’re caught out lying you can be charged with perjury, contempt of Court or even perverting the course of justice. Lying under oath can be both a criminal and a civil offence. The punishment could include a fine and/or a jail sentence, depending on what effect the lie has.

New legislation has recently come into effect regarding the punishment of dangerous dogs and their owners. The new guidelines outlined by the legislation serve a dual function. Firstly, they seek to guide the courts in making consistent, strict and fair judgments when it comes to dangerous dog attacks; secondly, they are designed so that these judgments act as a deterrent against further dog attacks. However, who is the legislation really meant to serve and protect?