Legal news

Faculty sets up International Committee to promote Scots system
Alistair Clark QC to chair profile-raising group

UK loses another prisoner voting case – but no damages awarded
Court reaffirms that blanket ban against Human Rights Convention

Land reform proposals raise concerns for Society
Response to consultation questions ownership restrictions

Shetland wind farm protesters lose appeal over bird protection
Ministers entitled to balance considerations: Supreme Court

Ten year land registration target will not penalise users, says RoS
Response to consultation denies need for fee increases

Society's legal aid paper needs basic points addressed: SLAB view
Board's response highlights five main areas of challenge

Short prison sentences still common despite Act, figures show
Nearly 30% below three months, despite presumption against

Commercial property partner hire for Balfour+Manson
Hugh Angus moves from Morton Fraser

MSPs call for register of lobbying
Committee makes cross-party recommendations as basis for new law

Solicitors' views sought on SLCC fee and budget plans
Society opens short consultation on 2015-16 proposals

Defamation law review brought onto law reform agenda
Scottish Law Commission publishes ninth programme

Human rights welcome for police "stop and search" rethink
Commission calls for immediate end to practice

Registers rejection fees about to kick in again
£30 for each failed application from 9 February as grace period ends

QC offers lawyers their own social media site
Mootis allows opinions, blogs, images and more

Scottish Law Commission looks forward to 50th anniversary
Annual report looks ahead to significant year

Society recognises gender neutrality
"Mx" title available on solicitor registration

HMRC sets out new measures against serial tax avoiders
Consultation now open on tougher sanctions

MSPs support principles of Mental Health Bill
Stage 1 report seeks clarification on several issues

Crown Office sets out key objectives in new strategic plan
Three year plan for 2015-18 published

2014 trainee numbers up 11%, Society reports
Rise also in number finding solicitor jobs on qualifying

Complaints Commission proposes general levy cut
Informal resolution helping to reduce costs

Whole life term not ECHR-incompatible, Strasbourg court rules
Human Rights Court accepts clarification of English legal position

Property market cooler in final 2014 quarter, Registers figures show
Prices still rising but sales slightly down on 2013

Sturgeon announces end of automatic early release for serious offenders
Current bill to be extended to all serving more than four years