News

The Justice Secretary Michael Gove has abolished the mandatory criminal courts charge after over 100 magistrates resigned in protest to the highly controversial measure. Chris Grayling, Mr Gove's predecessor, introduced the charge in April. It has faced fierce opposition from across the legal commun

South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of murder after an appeals court overturned a verdict of culpable homicide – ruling an inferior court misapplied the doctrine dolus eventualis. Mr Pistorius murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 after he shot her four

A gritting company which claimed Scotland’s transport agency breached public procurement law by failing to hold a competitive tendering process for purchasing de-icing salt during two of the country’s coldest winters on record has failed in an appeal to recover more than £3 million. Judges in t

The Faculty of Advocates has suggested to MSPs that they look again at establishing a Victims’ Commissioner in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committeesought views on draft Victims’ Rights (Scotland) Regulations, which have been tabled by the Scottish government.

A self-employed game farmer has pled guilty to wildlife offences, leading to the second conviction in Scotland by vicarious liability for wildlife crime against wild birds. At Stirling Sheriff Court, Graham Christie was fined a total of £3,200 after admitting his liability for the crimes committed

Ivor Guild A lawyer dubbed the “Duke of Princes Street” who lived on the Edinburgh thoroughfare for nearly 60 years has left £26 million in his will.

Frank Mulholland QC A police watchdog has given the Lord Advocate an interim report on the deaths of a couple who died following a car crash because police failed to log a phone call.

Aileen Campbell Final draft guidance to help local authorities and children’s services support children and families has been published.

A man who raped a woman and removed her teeth with pliers as part of a campaign of domestic abuse has been given a life sentence. Donald Jeffrey, 44, who will serve a minimum of ten years in prison, was convicted of attempted murder as well as five counts of rape and a number of serious assaults The

Jim Davies DWF has set up a charitable foundation to provide funds, resources and support to local charities and projects.

A woman obsessed with beauty and youth who feared getting old has been told she can refuse medical treatment meant to keep her alive The Times reports. The 50-year-old mother, C, who was married four times and had various lovers overdosed on painkillers washed down with champagne the Court of Protec

An intellectual property infringement claim by the owners of the “Tartan Army” trade mark will only proceed against the company which publishes “The Famous Tartan Army Magazine” and offers other services using the mark, and not the sole director of the company. A judge in the Court of Sessio

Alison McInnes Following controversial comments made by a judge on rape as well as the sexual abuse of children, one opposition party has written to the Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Carloway, to highlight public concern.

A disabled man has launched a fresh bid to obtain guidance on assisted suicide in Scotland. Gordon Ross, 66, who has Parkinson's disease, is worried that someone who helps him to die will be prosecuted.

A list of Scotland's 100 most powerful and influential figures sees a number of legal names make the cut. The Herald’s 2015 edition of Scotland’s Power 100 places solicitor-advocate John Scott QC at number 96; solicitor Aamer Anwar at 71; Professor Lorne Crerar, chairman of Harper Macleod at 67;