SLC publishes ninth programme of law reform

The programme will form the basis for most of the commission’s work over the next three years.

The programme has been approved by Scottish ministers and laid before the Scottish parliament.

Lord Pentland, the commission’s chairman (pictured), said: “2015 is the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Law Commission.

“It gives me great pleasure in our golden anniversary year to present our ninth programme of law reform.

“We propose to undertake new projects, including a review to ensure that the law of defamation in Scotland is fit for the internet age.

“Freedom of speech and the right to privacy are fundamental values in our society; the law of defamation has a central part to play in safeguarding both these rights.”

The programme was prepared following consultation with a wide range of stakeholders across Scottish civil society.

Other new projects will cover proprietary aspects of leases and aspects of the law of prescription.

The ninth programme also incorporates ongoing work from the commission’s previous programme, namely projects on moveable transactions, contract law, compulsory purchase law and procedure, and heritable securities.

In addition to programme work, the commission carries out joint law reform work with other law reform bodies such as the Law Commission for England and Wales, and deals with issues referred to it by Scottish ministers and government departments.

Current joint law reform projects include projects on insurance law and electoral law.