News

Police recorded a 41 per cent increase in hate crime incidents in the month after the UK's Brexit vote, according to new UK government figures. A statistical bulletin from the Home Office reports there were 5,468 offences recorded in July 2016 compared to 3,886 offences in July 2015.

The Law Society of Scotland has joined the Faculty of Advocates in criticising plans to make litigants fund the civil justice system through court fees. The Society said the proposals would damage access to justice, particularly for vulnerable people and those bringing forward personal injury cases.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson A planning application for a £23 million courts complex in Inverness will be lodged with Highland Council by next month, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service has confirmed.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon The Scottish government will publish the Independence Referendum Bill for consultation by next week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

House prices in Scotland have fallen for the second quarter in a row, latest figures have revealed. According to the Halifax House Price Index for the three-months to September, the average Scottish house now costs around £150,000.

A senior lawyer instructed by the Scottish government will attend proceedings in the High Court in London today as campaigners challenge the process by which the UK will begin Brexit negotiations with the EU. It is not formally involved in the case, but is "keeping a close eye" on all court actions

Scottish Secretary David Mundell Law enforcement agencies will be given new powers to seize the proceeds of crime and demand criminals explain the origins of their wealth under new UK legislation published today.

Independent Glasgow firm Yuill & Kyle Limited has secured ‘full authorisation’ from the Financial Conduct Authority – the ‘gold standard’ for firms carrying out pre-sue collections of regulated debt. The status, acquired following a rigorous application process, means the West Regent S

Prison staff are working with a national charity to make HMP Shotts in Lanarkshire the first dementia-friendly prison in Scotland. Alzheimer Scotland is engaging with staff and prisoners to deliver Dementia Friends workshops and information sessions in the prison, making both staff and prisoners mor

The skipper of a fishing vessel has been sentenced to six months imprisonment after a crew member died when the ship ran aground off the Shetland Islands. Christopher Smith pled guilty to a contravention of section 58(2)(b) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 at Lerwick Sheriff Court on 13 September.

Inksters Solicitors kicked off a fundraising campaign in aid of the British Heart Foundation yesterday by crowning their "Bag it. Beat it." champion.

Lord Carloway A legal conference hosted by Justice for Children (JFC) will today hear calls for major reforms to the treatment of child witnesses in Scotland.

The Faculty of Advocates has come out in strong opposition to Scottish government plans to make litigants fund the civil justice system through court fees. Its response to the government consultation says the civil justice system "should be funded by the state from general taxation" as "a cornerston

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson Justice Secretary Michael Matheson today launched the Scottish government's Human Trafficking Strategy, which is out for consultation from today.

Former Justice Secretary Kenny Macaskill Former Justice Secretary Kenny Macaskill has said he believed in decriminalising illegal drugs while in office but that it "wasn't worth the fight" with his SNP and Scottish government colleagues.