News

A sheriff’s decision to grant an absolute discharge to a woman found guilty of the theft of £200 worth of fencing was “unduly lenient”, the Sheriff Appeal Court has ruled. Three appeal sheriffs quashed the sheriff’s decision and convicted the respondent of the

The application process for judicial office in Scotland has been severely criticised as too onerous, a "lottery" and an artificial paperwork exercise that may be no more effective than the 'tap on the shoulder' that allowed "useless people" to be appointed in the past. Last year the Judicial Appoint

Scotland has the highest proportion of probationers under supervision for “offences against persons” in all of Europe, according to figures published today. The number of people in Europe subject to community sanctions and measures (CSM) – usually known as alternatives to imprisonm

TLT’s head of licensing (Scotland), Stephen McGowan, has secured a new licence for the San Vincenzo Italian restaurant and delicatessen in Bothwell – overcoming a previous refusal, trade opposition and the licensing board policy on overprovision which had declared the Bothwell locality a

Steve Dougherty challenges the shortcomings of the current planning and regulatory system and asks if a quasi-free market approach would appeal to some prospective home-owners in Scotland. For over 30 years I’ve advised clients on all matters pertaining to commercial real estate and obser

A proliferation of new laws and judicial power has diminished people's ability to make their own decisions, according to a former Supreme Court justice, The Times reports. Jonathan Sumption QC, Lord Sumption, 70, retired from the bench in December last year. He said that the case of Charlie Gard ind

A student anti-abortion group that launched legal action after being denied the right to affiliate now has a presence on campus. Aberdeen Life Ethics Society (ALES) claimed that an Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA) policy of "deplatforming pro-life student societies" ran contrary

Brodies LLP has been named Scotland Law Firm of the Year for an eighth consecutive year at the Who’s Who Legal Awards. The firm was among the winners announced at a black tie awards ceremony at Gibson Hall in London, where lawyers and firms from over 70 jurisdictions were recognised.

The past few years have brought about the most profound shift in the global narcotics trade for decades, according to a leading figure in international drug control efforts who will give a public lecture at the University of Dundee next month. Dr Justice Tettey, chief of the laboratory and scientifi

A student society is launching its first annual publication later this year. The University of Aberdeen Law Reform Society's report, to be launched on 8 October at the Marriott Hotel in Dyce, will include articles covering contemporary legal issues alongside essays from members.

Members of the Faculty of Advocates Choir will share the stage with some inspirational singers at a fundraising concert in Dublin. The event, The Sounds of Music, is a collaboration between the choir, and the choirs of the Bar of Ireland and A&L Goodbody, a leading Irish law firm.

Pop singer Ariana Grande is being sued by a photographer for posting a picture of herself on Instagram without permission. Robert Barbera is seeking up to $50,000 (around €44,860) in damages, claiming that Ms Grand did not ask for permission or pay to use two photos he took.

The family of a homeless man with a history of alcoholism who died hours after being offered accommodation by a charity have had an action for damages against the support provider dismissed. Relatives of Francis Hughes, 34, sued Turning Point Scotland on the basis that the charity &ld

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been maintaining a secret policy allowing ministers to approve actions which could lead to torture, The Times reports. This policy, which was revealed through freedom of information requests by The Rendition Project, suggests ministers can approve action c

The number of violent crimes recorded by Police Scotland has risen by 10 per cent, according to new figures. The number of murders, attempted murders and serious assaults all increased in the year to 31 March.