Peter Nicholson

Alleviating the impact of COVID-19 would be a better use of Holyrood's time between now and the election than the Hate Crime Bill

After featuring in the election campaign the future of the not proven verdict is in doubt – but are there alternatives to simple abolition?

Plans to cut criminal case backlogs need proper consultation with defence lawyers – and a drive to make best use of their time

The draft rules for holding civil court hearings remotely go further than may feel comfortable with – is there a justification?

Legal rights and climate change are intimately interlinked, and lawyers can expect to be increasingly called on to advise on related matters

The announced freeze on spending in the justice sector will worsen the existing crisis, and something will have to give

The scale of the looming cost of living crisis due to energy price rises and other pressures could overwhelm the societal fabric on which many of our rights depend, without radical action

With or without the British Bill of Rights Bill, the profession should look out for acts by the Truss Government that may limit human rights

The squeeze on public spending is likely to mean difficult times ahead for the justice budget, with potential impact on the profession

Many solicitors are feeling cost of living pressures too, adding to workplace stress, and now is the time to ensure a supportive workplace

The decision on the future of legal services regulation places considerable trust in professional bodies; they should embrace the challenge

Widening access to the profession remains a desirable goal – but any form of exclusion is unfair

The UK Government is regrettably showing disregard for lawyers and the rule of law through its Illegal Migration Bill and rhetoric with it

Crowdfunded litigation is probably here to stay, and if properly organised has a legitimate role in holding Government and other large organisations to account

For different reasons, the bills on regulation of legal services and on justice reform could each result in a trial of strength between the Society and the Scottish Government

Troubles continue for Scots criminal defence lawyers, now added to by problems delivering custody accused to court in a system under strain

We should be alive to the danger of letting dubious arguments for freedom prevent necessary measures against climate change

Perceptions are said to be important in considering whether conflicts of interest exist in regulation of the legal profession, but these differ widely in submissions on the bill

There is legitimate concern that so few complaints of rape lead to a guilty verdict, but the main focus should be on complainers' experience

I support those including the International Bar Association and Barack Obama who call for Israel's response to the Hamas atrocities to align with humanitarian values

A farewell message, with many people to thank, on stepping down as editor after 20 years in post