Legal news

Domestic abuse figures creep up again
Official statistics show 1% rise in 2016-17

Faculty supports keeping children out of court
Response calls for improvements to practice before evidence pre-recorded

QCs not interested in becoming judges, Lord President's survey finds
Lower earnings and lack of respect given as reasons

Inflation linked court fee rises proposed in new consultation
Increases over next three years would continue full cost recovery

Further appointments signal growth at RCC&W
Aaron Doran and Cameron Milne join north east firm

Terms of new model private tenancy agreement published
Form released for use under new law from 1 December

Associate promotions round at Shepherd & Wedderburn
Eleven advanced across Edinburgh, Glasgow and London offices

Council vicariously liable for foster carers' abuse, Supreme Court rules
Principles for imposing liability met by law and practice at relevant time

Rural communities could lose out under broadband service scheme: Society
Response highlights effect on social inclusion and access to services

Rules will require notice to SLAB of s 19 applications for expenses
Form and supporting documents to be sent 28 days in advance

No error in refusing entry to man with British family: Inner House
Family had choice to leave or continue existing contact

Former MMS marketing director joins Lex Mundi team
David Sanders one of three senior appointments to global network

EU Withdrawal Bill "progress", but "power grab" dispute remains
Joint Ministerial Committee agrees principles of future frameworks

Sheriff Appeal Court can take fresh look in reviewing decree by default
Sheriff Principal holds she has discretion, but no recall grounds shown

Scottish Government backs UK dangerous substances consultation
Responses relating to Scotland "will be shared and considered"

Gilson Gray "Grace banquet" raises more than £82,000
Edinburgh and Glasgow children's hospital charities to benefit

SCTS announces new Glasgow Tribunals Centre
Move to Atlantic Quay premises to take place during 2018

Holyrood's Lobbying Register to come into force in March
Draft guidance published and register to open for familiarisation

Thorntons retains Best Large Employer title
Firm collects Business Insider title for second year running

House movers avoid Friday 13th, Registers' figures show
Fewer than half the usual Friday settlements on date for the superstitious

Society campaign will promote quality of solicitors' services
Trusted adviser theme goes with higher profile for "Find a solicitor" tool

Guide to restorative justice aims to ensure consistent delivery
Ministers issue guidance under Victims and Witnesses Act

Public urged to report hate crime as figures rise
Charities continue to record increase in incidents

Draft text on mobile recognised as will by Queensland court
Sufficient evidence of intention in wording of message