News

A man who was tried alongside his brother for attempted murder and assault has failed to appeal his conviction in the Appeal Court of the High Court of Justiciary.  Lawrence Nelson, whose brother Gary Nelson was not convicted following the charges against him being withdrawn, argued that the tr

The Faculty of Advocates has established an emergency fund to assist members who have been tipped into financial distress by the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the hard-pressed criminal bar have been especially affected by the suspension of criminal trials in Scotland. These were brought to a halt in

Scotland's impotent fatal accident inquiry system has been condemned by families who have lost loved ones in tragic accidents, The Sunday Post reports. They spoke out following the announcement that it could take a year before any evidence is actually heard in an inquiry led by Lord Brodie into two

Downing Street is planning to set prosecution targets in rape cases for police and lawyers, The Guardian reports. The Prime Minister's crime and justice taskforce is to set targets for police to refer evidentially strong rape cases to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Scottish Legal News today welcomes Kate Scarborough as its summer intern. Miss Scarborough, a Dundee University LLB graduate who starts the Diploma this year, will be assisting the team in delivering its daily news update.

Govan Law Centre has repeated its call for action on rent increases as it continues judicial review proceedings against the Scottish Parliament over the tabling of a bill. The Fair Rents Bill, introduced by Labour MSP Pauline McNeill, proposes to cap rent increases at one per cent above the consumer

A Bronze Age hoard of national significance has been found by a metal detectorist in the Scottish Borders. A complete horse harness and sword were uncovered at the site near Peebles in what is only the second time this kind of hoard has been found in Scotland.

Hamish Lean looks at the potential amalgamation of Scotland's land dispute bodies. The Scottish government has launched a consultation about the possibility of amalgamating the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal in Scotland. The Scottish Land Court deals with crofting disputes and disputes b

New data recorded by Police Scotland shows an increase in sexual offences towards children over the past five years. The figures reveal that last year an average of 15 child sexual offences were recorded every day in Scotland. Across the UK there were 73,518 recorded offences in 2019/20. Where age a

Joyce Horsman is to take up the role of principal solicitor at Dundee North Law Centre at the end of this month as Peter Kinghorn retires. Ms Horsman will be joining from Fife Law Centre. She qualified as a solicitor in 2003 and has worked at the Scottish government, Shelter Scotland the Scottish Co

Amnesty International has warned that plans to deploy the Navy to prevent asylum seekers crossing the English Channel would be "unlawful, reckless and dangerous". Home Secretary Priti Patel has tasked Dan O'Mahoney, director of the joint maritime security centre and a former Royal Marine, with preve

Gilson Gray has revealed that in the last 12 months it has been involved in the restructuring, selling and refinancing of multiple portfolios, totalling in excess of 300 properties worth over £23 million. The firm, which took over Coulters Letting in 2019, has looked to help investors reapprai

Glasgow Caledonian University is to launch its first law journal, which will be a student-led publication featuring work from GCU students. It will also establish an annual Law and Common Good Lecture, featuring a keynote speech from a social justice lawyer. 

Government officials and politicians in Ukraine have reportedly been encouraged to pre-book "VIP cells" in the event of their arrest. Remand centres in over a dozen cities are now offering gift certificates for "luxury cells", which are valid for six months from purchase, the BBC reports.

A man who was convicted of historical lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour between 1983 and 1987 has had his appeal against conviction and sentence refused. James Penrice argued that the trial sheriff had misdirected the jury in relation to evidence led regarding another simila