Legal news

Stage 1 report backs bill against smoking in cars with children
MSPs recommend driver should be penalised as well as smoker

Scottish Sentencing Council to operate from 19 October
Order laid as assurance given about membership

Company restored to register not reinstated as tenant: Inner House
Statutory "general effect" provision gives way to property scheme

No royalties payable on "Happy Birthday" song, US judge rules
Copyright only granted in specific arrangements

Morisons appoints restructuring and insolvency head
Pamela Muir joins from Pinsent Masons

Upper Tribunal and housing tribunal case rules out in draft
Draft rules for consultation include 30 days to seek permission to appeal

Future of civil partnership comes under review
Ministers against extending option to opposite sex couples

Intestacy law proposals could work against children, Society argues
Consultation response supports single set of rules for whole estate

Human Rights Convention impact "profound and beneficial", Grieve states
Former Attorney General underlines ECHR importance in Rule of Law Lecture

Four new Queen's Counsel welcomed to court
Lord Justice Clerk greets new appointees

Reformed courts will improve access to justice: Carloway
Lord Justice Clerk's address hails introduction of Gill reforms

Duty of candour could threaten patient trust: Society
Convener supports new law but calls for clarity in scope

MSPs voice concerns over Carers Bill costs
Stage 1 report questions Government funding estimates

Advocate appointed to EU General Court
Ian Forrester QC to be next UK judge

Ministers back down over Sheriff Appeal Court legal aid – for time being
Six month continuation of present rates pending further discussions

The Faculty of Advocates unveils new website
Site to provide public and practitioners with easily accessible information

Panel to bring forward ideas to reform planning sector
Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil announces ‘game-changing’ review

Law Commission recommends insurance payout reforms
Proposals by Law Commissions of England and Wales and of Scotland introduced in Enterprise Bill

Scottish landlords take tax case to Treasury
Plea for rethink over planned tax changes for private landlords

Lord Advocate pledges investigation into Bayoh death
Frank Mulholland also tells MSPs that FAI would be held

Thorntons named as a top performing SME
Law firm makes top 10 best performing businesses in SME 300 table

Justice minister apologises to Amal Clooney
Lord Faulks had implied human rights lawyer’s success was due to marriage

CJEU setback for Nestle in Kitkat trade mark dispute
European ruling makes protection for four finger bar shape unlikely

Simpson & Marwick merger confirmed with global firm Clyde & Co
Another insurance practice tie-up takes effect from 1 October