Legal news

Law Society looking for debating tournament judges
Society calls for judges for the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament

Scotland to get new online land and property information system
Digital service designed to be more efficient and convenient

Next steps to tackle hate crime announced
Independent Advisory Group to be chaired by Dr Duncan Morrow

Solicitor executors must advise of potential legal rights: Society guidance
New statement follows consideration of Discipline Tribunal case

Solitary confinement ordered unlawfully, Supreme Court rules
Ministers had no power to extend segregation when time already expired

Time to send in views on the Sexual Harm Bill
Justice Committee issues stage 1 call for evidence

Conveyancing partner hire for Pagan Osborne
Joanne Cruickshank joins Edinburgh office

Civil Justice Council reaches out with "Winter Tour" roadshow
Seven locations for sessions on court reform rules and other changes

Trust launched for affordable rented housing
Mix of public and private funding aims to deliver 1,000 homes

MSPs open scrutiny of Housing Tenancies Bill with call for views
New form tenancy and potential rent controls among issues for debate

Burial and cremation law to be modernised in new bill
Legislation takes up recommendations following baby ashes scandal

Society reveals SOCA report in Hales/Thomson case
Suspicious activity report submitted in 2011

Risk should be focus of regulation change, SLCC claims
Consultation response looks for targeting of main causes of complaint

Charging conduct without evidence was oppression, judge rules
Indictment deserted simpliciter for “indefensible” conduct

Former judges criticise UK's "too slow" response to migrant crisis
300 senior lawyers sign open letter for higher refugee intake

Registers goes live on Keeper-induced registration consulting
Proposal to use new powers on larger housing developments

Change at the top at MBM Commercial
Stuart Hendry to succeed Sandy Finlayson as senior partner

SYLA announces two more events
Refugee seminar and Criminal Day Conference coming in next few weeks

Call for views on Scottish Fiscal Commission Bill
Finance Committee invites comments on departures from recommendations

"Appropriate adults": ministers seek views on role in court
One week to run on "high level" consultation

Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Bill published
Jury directions to be prescribed to improve understanding

Society renews call for changes as Smoking in Cars Bill comes to debate
Driver should be liable, but with statutory defence

Bill published for Scots private rented sector
New style tenancy and grounds for repossession to become law

Wright Johnston & Mackenzie acquires Inverness practice
Merger with MacArthur & Co strengthens Highland presence