http://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/63 2026-02-04T04:52:14Z http://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/6518 Title: The EU’s legal approach to protecting critical infrastructure from state-sponsored cyberattacks : a comparative study of the UK, Italy and Bulgaria Authors: Saeva, Eva Abstract: This thesis examines the EU’s legal approach to cybersecurity. It analyses the long road the EU has walked towards regulating cybersecurity and the challenges – both internal and external - it encountered along the way and which shaped its regulatory framework. It focuses on malicious state-sponsored cyber operations targeting the critical infrastructure (CI) sectors. Description: PhD Thesis 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/6451 Title: Not fit for purpose? : an evaluation of the private rented sector housing system in England and a comparison with the German private rental system. Authors: Graven, Ariann Abstract: This study seeks to evaluate the PRS in England to determine whether, in its current form, it is fit for purpose. The study establishes a set of criteria against which fitness will be measured, which are; • That it offers a reasonable level of security. • That is offers accommodation of a reasonable standard and condition. • That it offers affordable accommodation, is a key part of the housing market and is a mainstream housing option. As part of this evaluation this study looks at the legislative and regulatory framework underpinning the PRS as well as how the PRS functions in practice. A holistic approach is taken, with consideration of the security in PRS accommodation, rent regulation and affordability and issues relating to property condition and their management. The study identifies inherent weaknesses in the current system, which have come about as a result the lack of strong regulatory control and piecemeal reform. It identifies the inbuilt insecurity of tenure in most PRS tenancies as an all-pervading issue, impacting on tenants’ security as well as their ability to enforce and enjoy their other rights and makes recommendations to reform the tenancy structure, strengthen control over housing costs and consolidate and strengthen the regulations relating to property condition in the PRS. The thesis includes a comparative element. The private rented sector in Germany was selected as a comparator because of the positive reputation that sector enjoys. This study looks at the legislation and regulation of PRS accommodation in Germany and considers whether lessons can be learnt from the way the sector functions there. There are also comparisons made to other jurisdictions, with both the Welsh and Scottish models considered. Recommendations for reform are made with these comparisons in mind. Description: PhD Thesis 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/6135 Title: Takeovers of publicly traded companies in KSA : a critique of regulations and minority shareholders protection rules in the takeover context Authors: Alsadhan, Khalid Sami O Abstract: Takeovers are relatively new strategies and are still developing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which explains the lack of sufficient studies in this area. This work will attempt to explore the KSA system of takeover from a legal perspective. It is expected that this research will contribute to the body of knowledge in the sphere of takeovers and minority shareholders’ protection in takeovers in KSA and will serve as a major reference point in this area of concern. This thesis will provide a general critique of the takeover system of listed companies in the KSA. It will begin by providing an understanding of the KSA’s corporate governance system and ownership structure. It will then provide an insight into the KSA’s takeover system and the stock market. The thesis will examine the role of authorities that are concerned with takeovers, such as the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the General Authority for Competition (GAC). The research will question the efficiency of the current KSA regulations in protecting minority shareholders’ and directors’ duties in takeovers. The thesis argues that the existing laws in KSA are not effective in protecting minority shareholders in takeovers, while considering influential factors in the KSA environment, such as the concentrated ownership structure. The research also argues that the regulations governing directors’ roles and duties in takeovers and the litigation actions to hold them accountable are unclear and vague and require reform. The UK takeover system will be used as a benchmark for this thesis in recommending reforms to address these issues and at the same time to fit into the KSA’s legal environment. The primary objective of this research is to suggest reforms to the KSA takeover system of publicly traded companies to improve certain areas that the researcher found to have issues, especially minority shareholders’ protection and directors’ roles and duties. From the researcher’s point of view, the suggested reform would contribute to the promotion of a sound takeover system and, more generally, to the development of the corporate governance system and commercial environment in the KSA. Description: PhD Thesis 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/5837 Title: Incest between consenting adults: a case for decriminalisation? Authors: Beetham, Andrew Abstract: Consent plays a key role in most sexual offences. For example, the presence of consent removes any criminal liability for an offence such as rape or sexual assault. In contrast, sexual activity between adult family members (see Sexual Offences Act 2003, ss. 64-65) is a criminal offence regardless of whether it takes place with or without the consent of both parties. This reflects a tension that exists within the criminal law. Generally, the criminal law is based upon the respect for the autonomy of the individual in its reflection of the traditional liberal account. The criminal law is also based upon harm and where an activity is presumed to be harmful (even when consensual) it is unlawful. In terms of sexual activity between adult family members, there are concerns that gendered family power dynamics and childhood abusive, grooming, or coercive behaviours may limit freedom of choice to consent, and that such relationships are, even if consensual, harmful to the family and institution of the family. This thesis aims to resolve the tension between autonomy and harm to protect the former removing the protection of the criminal law from those that are considered vulnerable. To do so, I argue that the criminal law ought to employ a relational approach to autonomy. The criminalisation of consensual sexual activity between adult family members has been justified on eight grounds. I analyse them to determine whether they enunciate any form of doctrine or are they just “scattered words”. A relational approach to autonomy focuses upon the constructiveness or destructiveness of a relationship between two (or more) people by allowing the relationship to be seen within its proper context (rather than on time specific circumstances at the time or shortly before an activity takes place). A relational approach employs a “deeper examination” (rather than “face value”) into this context which strengthens my argument that a relational approach can resolve the tension within the criminal law. I analyse whether a relational approach to autonomy is reflected in the current law relating to the sex with an adult relative provisions. Description: Ph. D. Thesis 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z