Legal news

Stranded employees can still work for pay, Society advises
Those who can and do work remotely "should be paid for their time"

Society issues 1,000th solicitor smartcard
Rollout continues through to autumn 2015

Questions over witness pre-recording plans
Scottish Court Service exploring ways to speed up trials

Digby Brown reports a record year
Latest annual results show turnover up 17% and profit 36%

SCJC publishes review of dispute resolution methods
Paper includes assessment of current state of ADR in Scotland

SAC launches formal arbitrator appointment system
Enlarged committee will assess individuals' credentials

Twin attack in prospect on car smoking with children present
Legislation proposed on both sides of the border

Should poll tax debts be cancelled, MSP committee asks
Finance Committee calls for evidence on Scottish Government bill

ECHR adoption draft incompatible with EU law, Court of Justice rules
Provisions fail to have regard to specific characteristics of EU law

Commission looks to achieve modern compulsory purchase law
Discussion paper calls for views on new legislation

Supreme Court gives reasons for rejecting prisoner referendum votes
Majority follow human rights case law excluding referendums

Catholic midwives lose abortion conscientious objection case
Supreme Court upholds health board appeal over scope of provision

Dean calls for debate on recognising economic and social rights
Human Rights Day lecture suggests possible role for courts

UK wins two Human Rights Court decisions
Hearsay evidence and anti-terrorism rulings in Government's favour

Independence referendum well run, Electoral Commission reports
Legislating well in advance "underpinned effective delivery"

Criminal convictions up 4% in latest year, new figures show
Driving offences behind first rise in seven years

Business rates appeal system up for review
Ministers invite views on how to speed up process

Campaigners mount last ditch plea for Haddington Sheriff Court
Plea to new Justice Secretary to reverse closure decision

Holyrood elections to include 16 and 17 year olds
Cameron agrees to devolve power in meeting with Sturgeon

AiB reports sharp rise in diligence use
Diligence up 11%, summary warrants up 20% in 2013-14

Young lawyers' essay competition opens again
Court reform challenges theme for 2015 SYLA/WS Society contest

Mediation bringing quicker complaint resolution: SLCC annual report
Compensation figures average £1,000 a day in 2013-14

Society provides advice over advance notice difficulties
Limited letters of obligation may still be appropriate

Eilidh Wiseman elected next Law Society vice president
Former head of employment team at Dundas and Wilson takes up role in May