Legal news

European Court confirms Uber "transport firm" ruling
Member states can regulate conditions for provision of service

Social Security Bill passes first Holyrood stage
No opposition to bill, but MSPs request more detail

Better medical care with national standards for rape victims to come in
Minister announces funding for medical and psychological support

COPFS and Rape Crisis Scotland feedback agreement "will help service"
Victims' experiences to be used to improve support provision

Scotland consults on modernising conduct of elections
Parliamentary term, and non-EU citizen votes, among topics for discussion

Moveables report seeks to open way to business finance
Commission proposes new forms of security in Scots law

Lands Tribunal appoints new surveyor member
Craigie Marwick succeeds the late Douglas Gillespie

Five solicitor sheriffs appointed from January
Two to North Strathclyde and three to Grampian, Highland & Islands

Support shown for child and vulnerable witness evidence plans
Consultation responses back pre-recording strategy

Appeal allowed where guilty plea based on shared error of law
Faultless driving does not "cause" death by driving while uninsured

Edinburgh solicitors opt out of police station duty scheme
Bar Association votes to withdraw as new Act comes in

Atack, Mulholland confirmed as next Society office bearers
Falkirk solicitor wins poll for next Vice President

MSPs call for evidence on Scottish Government's Planning Bill
MSPs seek views on whether bill will achieve objectives

Complainer's right to anonymity upheld in extortion case
Court grants contempt order preventing disclosure of identity

Death announced of Sheriff Ian Simpson QC
Criminal lawyer who turned to crime fiction after retirement

UK Supreme Court opens new selection process
Deputy President one of three posts to fall vacant in next year

Aberdeen law practice has judicial factor appointed
Society intervenes after inspection of Matthew Cohen & Associates

Defamation overhaul proposed in Scottish Law Commission report
One year limitation and express public interest defence among reforms

Sentencing Council "mythbuster" page launched for public education
Popular misconceptions targeted with new web page

Budget should bring in further LBTT reforms, Society paper argues
Concerns also raised over income tax administration costs

OPG reports big cut in PoA delays, but rejections still high
Current processing time down to eight working days

Advocates tune up for Christmas concert
17 December date for free event with donations to City Mission

Boyd Legal takes ESPC customer service award
Firm comes top in "mystery shopper" exercise

Ministers set out pricing implications of 50p/unit minimum for alcohol
Consultation on proposed rate runs until January