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The authorities in Scotland should develop a coherent strategy to address worrying levels of prison overcrowding, according to the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has today published a report following its ad hoc visit to a

White House officials are considering whether Donald Trump could mark America’s 250th birthday with a mass clemency programme, reportedly dubbed “250 pardons for 250 years”. The proposal, which could be announced around the Fourth of July, has divided advisers, with some seeing it

The University of Aberdeen conferred one of its highest academic honours yesterday, when Dr Graeme Brown was awarded the degree of doctor of laws (LLD) by research – a distinction granted only in exceptional circumstances and rarely awarded in the modern era. While the LLD is widely known as a

Drummond Miller has underlined its commitment to developing diverse legal talent after announcing a new round of promotions that sees women take all the promoted legal roles. Among those promoted is Alejandra Ruggeri, who becomes senior associate in the firm's medical negligence team. A skilled liti

Police Scotland has spent more than £700,000 on external legal fees over the past five years defending employment tribunal claims brought by its own officers and staff, according to figures obtained under a freedom of information request. The force paid £715,760 to law firms between 2021

The Faculty of Advocates welcomed 29 new members at calling ceremonies held on Friday last week.

The Digital Assets (Scotland) Act 2026 establishes digital assets such as cryptocurrencies as recognised property under Scots law, providing legal certainty for transactions, lending and insolvency. In a new analysis, David Fox, professor of common law at the University of Edinburgh, says the legisl

Schools are being encouraged to restrict the use of mobile phones by following updated national guidance, published ahead of planned legislation to create phone-free learning environments. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said schools should introduce restrictions during teaching and learnin

Freeths has appointed partner Alastair Frood to its commercial dispute resolution team in Glasgow. He joins from Eversheds Sutherland, where he served as head of litigation in Scotland and led the development of the firm’s commercial litigation practice, significantly growing both team capabil

Ford has rehired more than 300 experienced quality engineers after AI failed to match their expertise in vehicle production. The US carmaker had introduced AI tools, including automated quality inspections, as part of a wider push to improve efficiency. However, executives said the technology did no

The owner of a gay bar in Russia and two employees have been jailed for hosting drag shows in the first criminal case brought against people accused of belonging to the country’s banned “international LGBT movement”. A court in Orenburg sentenced bar owner Vyacheslav Khasanov, 37,

Budding lawyers across Scotland are poised to battle it out to win a £1,000 student prize and the chance to secure a legal traineeship.

The Law Society of Scotland has called for the Scottish government to proceed with a public consultation on whether the dual role of the lord advocate should be divided. The role of the lord advocate – who serves as both the Scottish government's senior legal adviser and head of the systems of

Drummond Miller has reopened its refurbished Bathgate office. The office, located on South Bridge Street, has undergone a significant refurbishment programme following a flood. New branding, updated interiors and improved client facilities have been created to make for a more welcoming and modern en

Animal protection charity OneKind has welcomed the Scottish government’s ban on the use, supply and possession of glue traps, which comes into force today. Glue traps cause significant and prolonged suffering, leaving animals struggling to escape, sometimes to the point of breaking their own b