A traffic delivery standard for which the network exerts its best efforts to ensure that the traffic is delivered, but provides no guarantee that all traffic will be delivered.

Bestiality describes sexual activity between a person and a non‑human animal. In legal practice it denotes the criminal offence of engaging in intercourse or other sexual acts with an animal.Across the UK and Ireland this conduct is prohibited by statute: in England and Wales under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (using the term “intercourse with an animal”); in Scotland under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009; in Northern Ireland under the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008; and in Ireland under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 (using “sexual act with an animal”). “Bestiality” is therefore a descriptive label rather than the modern statutory wording, but it remains widely used in legal commentary, charging language and case reporting.Key features include intentional performance of the sexual act; an animal’s “consent” is legally irrelevant. Associated offending often arises, including animal welfare offences (e.g., causing unnecessary suffering) and offences concerning extreme pornographic images depicting sexual activity with animals.Practical significance includes prosecution and sentencing under the relevant sexual offences legislation, consideration of ancillary orders (such as Sexual Harm Prevention Orders) and, in appropriate cases, disqualification from owning or keeping animals. The core prohibition is broadly consistent across England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, though terminology and maximum penalties vary.

A measure of the volatility or systematic risk of a security or portfolio in comparison with the market as a whole.

A radionuclide which decays by emission of an electron or positron.

A particular type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from an atom. Beta decay can occur in two forms: Beta minus or Beta plus.

Beta decay in which an electron is emitted from an atom (?-).

An electron emitted by the nucleus of a radionuclide in beta decay.

Beta decay in which a positron is emitted from an atom (?+).

Property analysis: On 29 January 2024 the BBP launched its updated Green Lease Toolkit, which is available for anyone to access, free of charge. Cheryl Gurnham, partner at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP and Warren Gordon, senior professional support lawyer at CMS provide comments on some of the commonly asked questions.

In response to the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority’s (EIOPA) staff paper published 11 September 2024 on the slow uptake of the Pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP), Better Finance, the European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users has issued a position paper supporting EIOPA's analysis whilst proposing specific improvements. Better Finance endorses retaining the 1% fee cap for the basic PEPP option and recommends expanding the product's target market through feature adjustments rather than fee increases. Key suggestions include ensuring equal tax treatment across Member States and simplifying PEPP features, potentially modelled on the US Individual Retirement Account system. Better Finance emphasises that these changes could transform PEPP into a competitive, low-cost pension option that addresses both consumer needs and policymakers' goals for long-term savings allocation in the EU economy.

Better Finance has published a report titled ‘BETTER FINANCE Transition of Capital Flows Report January 2025’ providing a comprehensive analysis of shareholder engagement and the transition of capital flows in Europe, structured into five key chapters. It highlights the importance of coordinated efforts from policymakers, professional investors, and corporate issuers to overcome barriers and promote effective transition investing. The report proposes policy and practical recommendations, accompanied by unique Principles for Transition Investing Engagement. These recommendations aim to achieve greater alignment between shareholder interests and corporate sustainability objectives.

Dispute Resolution analysis: This judgment, concerning a multi-faceted claim for breach of warranty in the context of environmental wrongdoing, provides helpful guidance to both litigants and draftsmen involved in sale and purchase agreements. Judge Keyser QC examines some unusual wording in such a contract and its consequent effect on the claims in contract and tort available to the purchaser of an overvalued company with a concealed history of significant environmental wrongdoing. Written by Natalie Todd, partner and Anastasia Tropsha, lawyer at PCB Byrne LLP.