News

Scientists have been told they cannot describe the sexual reproduction of snails and worms under Russia's "LGBT propaganda" laws. Viktor Kovylin, editor of Russian scientific journal Batrachospermum, said the launch of an upcoming book on the sexual life of animals has been complicated followin

‘Inducing Intimacy: Deception, Consent and the Law’, by Professor Chloë Kennedy of Edinburgh Law School, has been shortlisted for the Socio-Legal Theory and History Prize by the Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA). The prize recognises outstanding contributions to socio-legal the

The Law Society of Scotland has launched a new series of roadshow events to provide smaller law firms with free business support in areas such as technology and regulatory compliance. The first half-day conferences will be held in four key regional centres – Dumfries on 2 March, Perth on 19 Ma

A man who stole multiple identities and accumulated more than £1 million in false bank accounts has been imprisoned for four years. Craig Milligan, 47, of Dumfries, used several aliases – including those of two dead men – to fraudulently open accounts and obtain credit cards.

Scotland must rethink its approach to sentencing and imprisonment, according to the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission. In a new report the commission highlights that Scotland consistently has one of the highest prison population rates in Western Europe and without significant reform

The creation of a new criminal offence of 'ecocide' has moved closer as Holyrood voted to progress the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill to stage two yesterday. The Ecocide Bill was introduced in the Parliament by Monica Lennon MSP last May. Her proposal for tougher criminal sanctions for the most severe envi

Our weekly round-up of human rights stories from around the world. Trump-led abuses amid ‘democratic recession’ put human rights in peril

MSPs have unanimously backed plans to tighten regulation of cosmetic procedures including botox injections and non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, amid mounting concern over patient safety. The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill was introduced in response to ev

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has expressed grave concern over escalating incidents of human rights violations committed by public authorities in the United States, including violent attacks on protestors and the absence of independent investigations. Rece

A sheriff has recommended in a fatal accident inquiry determination that the Scottish Ambulance Service takes measures to improve its telephony service. David McClenaghan, a manager with Park’s Motor Group, died in his office at Park’s Kia Showroom, Coatbridge on 26 August 2018. 

A pensioner who embezzled almost £40,000 from a charity that supports vulnerable women and children has been imprisoned for 20 months. Jay Reid, 67, was a manager of Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid in Dunoon when she stole the money over a five-year period.

A jury has cleared six Palestine Action activists of aggravated burglary charges linked to an attack on an Israeli-owned UK arms factory which was cited as justification for the proscription of the direct action group. Six people – Samuel Corner, 23; Charlotte Head, 29; Leona Kamio, 30; Fatema

Two men have been jailed for contempt of court after taking a selfie in the dock at Inverness Sheriff Court and uploading it to social media. Sheriff Gary Aitken sentenced Christopher Branley, 35, and Scott Ross, 40, after finding their conduct showed a serious lack of respect for the court. The cas

Pinsent Masons is expanding its European footprint into Poland, announcing plans to open in Warsaw in mid-2026. The office will strengthen the firm’s pan-European offering and establish its presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow is seeking views on how best it should communicate with members. The 2026 Communications Survey is short and focused and asks how you prefer to hear from the RFPG and what information you find most useful.