Ministers working for the Methodist Church are effectively exempt from employment laws because they work for God and are not employees, Britain’s highest court has ruled.

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Gary Dobson was given a life sentence at the Old Bailey in January last year

Gary Dobson thwarted in move to overturn conviction for Stephen Lawrence murder

One of the two men jailed for the racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence lost a move to challenge his conviction today.

Abu Qatada at his northwest London before he returned to prison for allegedly breaching bail conditions

Abu Qatada to make renewed bid for freedom at bail hearing

Radical cleric will face judges at Special Immigration Appeals Commission

Real IRA murders: Brian Shivers cleared of 2009 double murder of British soldiers at Massereene barracks in Antrim

Sappers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar were gunned down by two masked gunmen as they collected pizzas outside the gates in 2009

Sergeant Danny Nightingale outside the court of appeal in London

SAS sniper facing retrial for illegal possession of pistol and ammunition Danny Nightingale recommended for medical discharge

SAS sniper Sergeant Danny Nightingale, who faces a retrial for illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition he had earlier been convicted of, has been recommended for medical discharge, his lawyer said today.

Sergeant Danny Nightingale and his wife Sally after his conviction was overturned

SAS sniper Danny Nightingale faces retrial for illegally possession of pistol and ammunition

He loses last-minute claim that prosecutors acted improperly

Damages payment cut for prisoner released 10 months late

A man who spent 10 more months in prison than he should have done because of administrative errors has seen his damages cut from £10,000 to £6,500 by the Supreme Court.

Henning Berg pictured after his appointment as Blackburn Rover manager

Blackburn ordered to pay Henning Berg after case is thrown out of the High Court

Manager was sacked by Rovers after 57 days in charge

Abu Qatada deportation: UK has new treaty with Jordan to expel radical Muslim cleric, says Home Secretary Theresa May - but it could take months

David Cameron has made a pitch to the Tory right after he raised the prospect of temporary withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights in an attempt to deport the extremist preacher Abu Qatada from Britain.

Permission has been refused for the Home Secretary Theresa May to appeal to the Supreme Court

Fresh blow for Government over Abu Qatada deportation

Now Theresa May must ask permission from the Supreme Court to appeal to it directly

Paralysed man Paul Lamb takes up Tony Nicklinson's right to die challenge

A paralysed man is taking up a legal challenge for the right to die with the help of a doctor, saying he would like to be able to choose when to “call it a day”.

Government launches new bid to challenge Abu Qatada ruling

The Government has asked permission to take its fight to remove hate preacher Abu Qatada from the UK to the highest court in the land.

Jason Owen was jailed over the death of Baby P

Baby P man back in jail for breaching jail terms

A man jailed for his role in the death of Baby P has been recalled to prison after breaching his bail conditions, sources said today.

Shell faces pollution inquiry after grounding of rig off Alaska

The US Justice Department is to investigate whether Shell's Kulluk drilling rig off Alaska violated pollution rules.

Christian B&B owners sued over refusing gay guests can now turn away homosexual couples

Peter and Hazelmary Bull have reopened the Chymorvah Hotel as a non-profit organisation

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Mohammad Rasoulof to make his first public appearance since being imprisoned three years ago
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An exhibition explores images how photography has shaped astronomy
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Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating
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Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence
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Chief executive says trophies will come if a 'core' of suitable players is in place
Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

The Bayern Munich forward tells Tim Rich his side have to shed chokers' tag after two recent final defeats
Giro d'Italia: The Stelvio Pass - cycling's killer climb

The Stelvio Pass - cycling's killer climb

As the Giro d'Italia tackles the brutal climb, Simon Usborne takes on the snow and switchbacks – and soon realises what the fuss is about
National archives: Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them

Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them

Newly unearthed papers reveal a shocking extra dimension to the constitutional crisis over monarch’s abdication
Sent down at the Old Bailey: A tour of the world's most famous court

Sent down at the Old Bailey

A tour of the world's most famous court
Hollywood's random acts of red-carpet kindness

Hollywood's random acts of red-carpet kindness

The Hangover actor Zach Galifianakis’s date for his movie premieres isn’t arm candy  – it’s his 87-year-old friend who he saved from homelessness
British football scores an own goal

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Many managers barely survive a year in post. Martin Baker talks to experts who make a case for clubs using forensic business skills to find the best staff
James Lawton: Sergio Garcia cracks as major fault line opens up again

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