Legal news

Advocates' personal injury arbitration service to launch next month
Forty have completed special training for new procedure

Carers' Charter goes out to consultation
Ministers publish draft statement of rights under 2016 Act

Memories of drunk victims may not be less reliable: researchers
Findings indicate less complete recollection, but no less accurate

Public invited for views on first sentencing guideline
Scottish Sentencing Council consults on proposed statement of principles

STEP awards Raeburn Christie Employer Partner status
Accreditation recognises firm's commitment to training

FCA considers action on charges for unauthorised overdrafts
Payday loan cap to stay, but other high-cost credit comes under review

Crown counsel slated over conduct of abduction and rape trial
Judge's directions saved trial from being unfairly prejudicial: Appeal Court

Promotion for two at Wright Johnston & Mackenzie
Joanne Ockrim and Esme Macfarlane recognised

Commission offers draft Defamation Bill for comments
Month of consultation opens ahead of final report

Prisons inspector calls for end to sentences less than a year
Short terms lead to more reoffending, chief claims in interview

Brodies reports steady revenue growth
Firm reflects on "quite a dramatic year"

Judges must engage more to command confidence: former Lord Justice
Sir Alan Moses argues that necessary to contribute to public understanding

MacQueen has Scottish Law Commission appointment extended
Contract specialist to serve an additional six months

Family element added to Inksters' "This is your Trial"
Edinburgh Fringe show runs for fifth year

Personal insolvency figures show sharp increase
Latest quarter and full year totals both up about 17%

HSBC relaxes conveyancing panel rules following Society talks
All regulated legal firms will be able to apply

IBA consults on planned guidance for legal aid systems
Aim to produce reform aids and good practice for government

Appeal Court upholds sheriff's entrapment ruling on underage sex charge
Undercover officers, not the accused, raised the possibility

EU acts against Poland as judicial reform threat continues
Government not backing down on controversial bills

Home Secretary must show EU national's proposed marriage one of convenience
Supreme Court orders rehearing of case of Lithuanian and Pakistani

Access to justice trumps employment tribunal fees, Supreme Court rules
2013 charges against both domestic and EU law

Wife wins appeal over period for calculating pension rights
Husband's "membership" of scheme not confined to active membership

Lord President heads programme at Society's annual conference
"For the greater good" theme looks at potential for profession

AML supervisory body plans go to consultation
Society urges solicitors to respond to Government paper