News

The backlog of Employment Tribunal claims waiting to be heard has increased by more than a quarter over one year, according to data released by His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). The backlog has significant implications for the Employment Rights Bill, which the House of Lords h

A man who tried to kill a woman and two children has had his sentence increased following an appeal by the Crown. Steven Phillipson was found guilty of four charges, including attempted murder, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh earlier this year.

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has reported a continued upwards trend in complaint numbers over the past several years. Despite a fall back from last year’s unprecedented high – bolstered by a single incident – the underlying trend shows a steady year on year incre

A crossword compiler has been hauled into court over a clue which allegedly insulted a far-right political party. The crossword, which appeared in Swiss newspaper Le Nouvelliste in November 2023, featured a clue which read: "Swiss political party – racist, xenophobic, homophobic, anti-feminist

Sex workers and their allies gathered outside Holyrood yesterday to protest Ash Regan’s proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill. If enacted, the bill would create a new offence of paying for sexual acts, popularly known as the Nordic model. Members of the sex worker-led or

Provisional IRA members could still be prosecuted in relation to dozens of unsolved killings in England, the UK government has suggested. The Northern Ireland Office yesterday circulated what it said was a Home Office list of attacks in England by the IRA and other paramilitaries which resulted in 7

The Crown Office has lodged a first notice to begin the court process for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death of 81-year-old William MacDowell. William MacDowell, an inmate within HMP Glenochil, had been receiving palliative care while in custody. As his health deteriorated, he was transfe

The Scottish prison population increased by 4.5 per cent in 2024-25 to 8,216 on the average day. The increase in the prison population in 2024-25 was primarily driven by an increase in the sentenced population (+5.8 per cent since 2023-24), figures from the chief statistician show.

Perkins Coie and Ashurst, which has an office in Glasgow, are to merge to form Ashurst Perkins Coie. The new firm's footprint will span 52 offices in 23 countries, with flagship hubs in Seattle, London, Sydney and New York.

UK bank customers will see their deposit protection increase to £120,000 from December, following confirmation from the Prudential Regulation Authority. The new limit – up from £85,000, where it has stood since 2017 – will apply under the Financial Services Compensation Schem

The government is poised to outlaw the resale of tickets for profit, with measures to be announced this week targeting touts and major platforms such as Viagogo and StubHub. Ministers had considered permitting touts – and ordinary buyers – to resell tickets at up to 30 per cent above fac

The Scottish Human Rights Commission has published its annual report for 2024-25. The SHRC has focused on strengthening accountability, "amplifying lived experience" and embedding a stronger human rights culture across Scotland.

Brodies LLP has boosted its oil and gas practice with the appointment of new partner Andy Russell.  Mr Russell began his legal career at Brodies, undertaking an oil and gas-focused traineeship and qualifying in 2014. Most recently, he served as general counsel and head of the legal and governan

Following a public consultation, the Scottish government has committed to adopting anti-SLAPP legislation which will be based on a model law drafted by Professor Justin Borg-Barthet and Dr Francesca Farrington of the University of Aberdeen’s Anti-SLAPP Research Hub.  Strategic lawsuits ag

A prisoner in Australia is suing for his right to a Vegemite sandwich. The spread, made from leftover brewer's yeast and similar to British Marmite, is famously and bizarrely popular down under.