Opinion

Defence counsel Tony Lenehan KC writes that juryless trials are being driven by ideology rather than evidence.  After reading the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill I was disappointed but not surprised. I am disappointed at the many politicians, lobbyists, academics and

An­drew Steven­son considers the price we will pay by adopting virtual courts. Support within the UK for the principles of maintaining a system where justice is administered locally or in public was evaporating even before Covid-19; in the decade to 2020, more than half the Magistrates Court

Who remembers the Roberton Report? Who could have guessed the pandemic reasons for it ending up in the long grass for so long? Covered well by SLN, the announcement has, after a couple of contributions proved that the solicitor branch of the profession at least is as comfortable with its apathy as e

Roderick Macdonald, Lord Uist, warns that the Scottish government's new justice bill features two provisions which are "constitutionally repugnant" and must be removed. On 26 April 2023 the Scottish government introduced into the Scottish Parliament the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotlan

Jamie Kerr and Alex McLean provide some practical information on how the construction sector can benefit from the expansion of the Shortage Occupation List. In an attempt to address skills and labour shortages in the construction sector, a new report has recommended a number of changes to the UK vis

Sophie Pike’s instructive blog about childcare and how the costs might be shared between separated parents sets out possible legal routes to resolve disagreement. We agree with her conclusion that it is far better for parents (and their children) to reach agreement and to steer clear of the c

It is estimated that 80 per cent of the UK's building stock will still be here 50 years from now, therefore improving the sustainability of real estate cannot be limited to design and construction of new buildings. The industry must consider the sustainable long-term use of existing assets and how t

Sophie Pike explores the cost of childcare and how that should be shared between separated parents. The cost of childcare in the UK is reported to be amongst the most expensive in the world, with an average full time nursery placement costing nearly £15,000 per child per year. In Scotland, fun

At our times of greatest need – whether personally or in our communities – it’s very often charities who are there for us. We place our faith in them. In doing so, it’s so important that we trust those to whom we turn, writes Helen Kidd. Trust in our charities is, of course,

Caroline Carr and Katie Hendry highlight the key consideration to be addressed by housing associations when dealing with settlement agreements. As employment lawyers, we regularly receive instructions (from employees and businesses) to advise on exits, “protected conversations” and Settl

The accused in the under-25 rape case, Sean Hogg, may be considering an appeal against conviction. It is unlikely that he will appeal the sentence, but the Crown may do so. The sentencing judge came in for a lot of criticism for not imposing a custodial sentence, but we should not rule out the

Government immigration fees can add significant costs to UK energy projects, particularly for companies that previously relied on European nationals pre-Brexit. A recent government policy change could result in significant savings whilst continuing to ensure compliance, writes Sean Rhodes. Energy co

The National Security and Investment Act 2021 celebrated its first anniversary in January. The UK government has not been shy about using it, imposing 15 final orders either blocking or placing conditions on deals: in almost 20 years of the previous national security screening regime, fewer than 20

Barristers and advocates appeal to the cab-rank rule whenever the UK government complains that they are a left-wing nuisance. They are professionally bound to represent their clients, they say, and are agnostic as to the moral content of their cases.

I’m following with interest the current debate around a declaration of around 291 English barristers and solicitors refusing to prosecute climate change protesters and further refusing to act for clients in the fossil fuel industry on new projects. The Daily Mail made this declaration the subj