News

Preparations for the publication of the Scottish Legal News Annual Review 2016 are now well under way. As usual it is packed with interesting content from experts in their field. Our circulation manager, Jim Ross, has been in many touch with many firms to discuss their orders for this free 100-page,

Michael Gove Government plans to scrap the Human Rights Act have been postponed because of “complex” proposals which could see the Supreme Court become a constitutional court.

Sue Black Dundee University has been given £10 million to build a new forensic science research centre to ensure science remains a "vital component" of the criminal justice system.

The Justice Secretary Michael Gove has abolished the mandatory criminal courts charge after over 100 magistrates resigned in protest to the highly controversial measure. Chris Grayling, Mr Gove's predecessor, introduced the charge in April. It has faced fierce opposition from across the legal commun

South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of murder after an appeals court overturned a verdict of culpable homicide – ruling an inferior court misapplied the doctrine dolus eventualis. Mr Pistorius murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 after he shot her four

A gritting company which claimed Scotland’s transport agency breached public procurement law by failing to hold a competitive tendering process for purchasing de-icing salt during two of the country’s coldest winters on record has failed in an appeal to recover more than £3 million. Judges in t

The Faculty of Advocates has suggested to MSPs that they look again at establishing a Victims’ Commissioner in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committeesought views on draft Victims’ Rights (Scotland) Regulations, which have been tabled by the Scottish government.

A self-employed game farmer has pled guilty to wildlife offences, leading to the second conviction in Scotland by vicarious liability for wildlife crime against wild birds. At Stirling Sheriff Court, Graham Christie was fined a total of £3,200 after admitting his liability for the crimes committed

Ivor Guild A lawyer dubbed the “Duke of Princes Street” who lived on the Edinburgh thoroughfare for nearly 60 years has left £26 million in his will.

Frank Mulholland QC A police watchdog has given the Lord Advocate an interim report on the deaths of a couple who died following a car crash because police failed to log a phone call.

Aileen Campbell Final draft guidance to help local authorities and children’s services support children and families has been published.

A man who raped a woman and removed her teeth with pliers as part of a campaign of domestic abuse has been given a life sentence. Donald Jeffrey, 44, who will serve a minimum of ten years in prison, was convicted of attempted murder as well as five counts of rape and a number of serious assaults The

Jim Davies DWF has set up a charitable foundation to provide funds, resources and support to local charities and projects.

A woman obsessed with beauty and youth who feared getting old has been told she can refuse medical treatment meant to keep her alive The Times reports. The 50-year-old mother, C, who was married four times and had various lovers overdosed on painkillers washed down with champagne the Court of Protec

An intellectual property infringement claim by the owners of the “Tartan Army” trade mark will only proceed against the company which publishes “The Famous Tartan Army Magazine” and offers other services using the mark, and not the sole director of the company. A judge in the Court of Sessio