New Law Protects Children from Parents who Commit Murder

In a major victory for child protection and justice, parents who kill a partner will no longer have control over their shared children's lives. The implementation of Jade's Law means that these parents will be stripped of their rights to make decisions regarding the children's education and travel.

Automatic Suspension of Parental Responsibility

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in announcing the new rules, stated that a person convicted of murdering their partner will face an automatic suspension of parental responsibility. This ensures that the needs of the child come first and relieves the burden on family members. The law aims to prevent convicted murderers from manipulating their children from behind bars.

Jade's Law Named After Tragic Victim

The law is named after Jade Ward, a 27-year-old woman who was murdered by her estranged partner, Russell Marsh, in 2021. Marsh was sentenced to life in prison but continued to hold parental rights over their four children. He had access to their medical records and school reports, and even had the power to prevent them from going on holiday.

Support for Jade's Law

The campaign for Jade's Law was launched by the organization SE, which fought for its implementation. The law has now come into force, providing much-needed protection for children and families in similar situations.

Closure of Legal Loophole

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, in his keynote speech at the Tory Conference in Manchester, emphasized the need to close the legal loophole that allowed convicted murderers to retain parental rights. The new law will be part of the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which also grants judges the power to mandate offenders to attend court for their sentencing.

Ending the Control of a Killer

The case of Jade Ward, who was stabbed and strangled by her partner while their children were sleeping, exemplifies the urgent need for this law. The killer, even from behind bars, had the ability to request school reports, medical details, and could restrict the children from traveling. The implementation of Jade's Law seeks to put an end to these injustices.