News

Reform of legislation relating to the private rented housing sector has been applauded by the Faculty of Advocates, although it has queried some aspects of the proposed changes. In a written submission to MSPs on the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill, the Faculty said it was “undesirable

Lesley Ward The School Closure Review Panel (SCRP), a new statutory body, independent of the Scottish government, has refused consent to Aberdeenshire Council’s plans to close two dyslexia units, and has remitted the proposal back to the council.

James Wolffe QC

A motorist who shouted “stick it up your arse” to a parking attendant who had given him penalty charge notice has failed in an appeal against conviction for behaving in a “threatening or abusive manner” which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer “fear and alarm”. The Crimina

Calum Steele A senior police officers' representative has warned that the Scottish government would be foolish to continue police cuts following the terrorist attacks in Paris.

Frank Mulholland QC The Lord Advocate has hailed Scotland's crime campus as world leading and praised its “outstanding” team.

Alan Meek The recent case of BIS v Smith, Peto and Wright serves as a reminder of the requirements for handling collective redundancies writes Alan Meek.

Cath Karlin New research has found that around eight out of ten children and young people with experience of parental separation or divorce would prefer their parents to split up if they are unhappy, rather than stay together.

From left: Lord Campbell, Sir General Mike Jackson and Lord Hodge

Lord Sumption Justice of the Supreme Court, Lord Sumption, delivered the James Wood lecture at the University of Glasgow.

The Law Society has published guidance for solicitors on good practice in working with transgender employees. Gender reassignment is a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010 and the Law Society's guidance has been prepared to help solicitors fulfil their duties as employers under the

A man who raped a 14-year-old girl while her mother was in the next room has had his prison term increased following a Crown appeal against sentence. The Criminal Appeal Court ruled that the sentence of three years imprisonment was “unduly lenient” and increased it to one of five years.

The Faculty of Advocates has entered the debate on repealing the Human Rights Act 1998 in favour of a Bill of Rights by declaring that it is not convinced of the need for substantial reform, in evidence to theScottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee. The committee is examini

The House of Lords has called on the Prime Minister to halt the Scotland Bill amid fears the process is being undertaken with “undue haste” and without an assessment of the political and economic consequences for the UK. In its report A fracturing Union? The Economic Affairs Committee said there

Parents who hit their children are more likely to subsequently abuse them and leave them with lasting effects according to a new report. Research commissioned by charities and the Children's Commissioner found that smacking kids can result in depression and a higher probability that they will become