News

The Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland (CFoIS) celebrates its 40th anniversary at a special conference in Glasgow today. Since 1984, CFoIS has been associated with all FOI legal reform in Scotland and continues to focus on the importance of a robust, enforceable access to information la

Jury trials are under threat in England and Wales following the announcement of a review into the criminal courts, to be led by Sir Brian Leveson. Newly released statistics show that the Crown Court backlog has reached a record high. The review will consider the case for new “intermediate cour

New amendments lodged in the Scottish Parliament this week must deliver on a government promise to reverse proposed political controls over the way lawyers work, the Law Society of Scotland has said. The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill was lodged in April of last year. While many parts

A drug trafficker who set himself up as counter-surveillance expert to safeguard gangland criminals from law enforcement agencies has had a serious crime prevention orders (SCPO) imposed. Ian Sweeney, 53, of Salsburgh, North Lanarkshire, was sentenced to two years in prison at the High Court in Glas

A round-up of human rights stories from around the world. 'More than 300' Israeli air strikes in Syria since fall of Assad, says war monitor

PBW Law has promoted Michael McKitrick to senior solicitor. Mr McKitrick began his professional journey with PBW Law in 2019 when he worked part-time for the firm whilst completing his diploma at the University of Strathclyde. Prior to this, he studied for his LLB at the University of Stirling.

A family is suing the makers of an AI chatbot which allegedly encouraged their teenager to murder them for restricting their internet access. The Character.AI chatbot allegedly told the 17-year-old: "You know sometimes I’m not surprised when I read the news and see stuff like 'child kills pare

The dispute resolution and litigation team at Shoosmiths in Scotland has underlined the growing demand for its legal advice across key sectors, revealing a robust growth in financial performance over the last three years. The practice, co-led in Scotland by partners Andrew Foyle and Stuart Clubb, ch

A new law which could result in bosses of major polluters being jailed for up to 20 years will be introduced at Holyrood next year. The Ecocide Prevention Bill, proposed by Monica Lennon, has enough cross-party support to be introduced. Ecocide is the mass destruction of ecosystems and includes oil

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) has launched a consultation on an updated Statement of Complaints Handling Principles. Since the principles were approved by Scottish Parliament in 2011, the language and landscape of complaints handling has changed. There has also been the addition of t

The Scottish government should take strong and positive action to address the barriers that disabled people continue to face in realising their rights, according to a new report from the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. The committee has been consider

The Law Society of Scotland says legislation to modernise the law around judicial factors provides for significant improvements when such arrangements are needed to safeguard money and other assets. MSPs voted earlier this week to give final stage three approval for the Judicial Factors (Scotland) B

The Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use has been launched, aiming to improve the experience of anyone needing support. The charter, the first of its kind in the world, will help ensure people know their rights and the support they can expect to receive, and that those who use drug

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking views from the public on proposals to designate Scotland’s largest and best-known prison as a Category A listed building. Barlinnie, in the northeast of Glasgow, is the most complete surviving example of a 19th century prison in Scotland and is ex

Keoghs Scotland has welcomed two associates and a solicitor to its Glasgow office, as it continues to expand its footprint in Scotland. Natalie McCartney has joined Joanne Farrell, partner who leads the Scottish arm of Keoghs’ specialist healthcare team. Ms McCartney is joining Keoghs as an as