Articles
And finally... hand-holding law
A woman who was fined for refusing to hold the handrail on an escalator has been awarded over £11,500 in damages after a ten-year legal battle. Bela Kosoian was told by a police officer in a Quebec metro station to respect a sign saying "hold the
Published 3 December 2019
Judge rejects life prisoner’s £5,000 human rights claim for correspondence ‘unlawfully’ opened by prison officers
A man serving a life sentence for murder who claimed that his human rights were breached after his “confidential” letters were opened by prison officers has had a £5,000 damages action dismissed.
Published 2 December 2019
Editorial: Dignity and duplicity on London Bridge
The appalling murders of Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones in a terrorist attack have shocked the nation. Two young graduates had their lives snuffed out while volunteering to help the less fortunate rehabilitate themselves.
Published 2 December 2019
Justice Committee: Increase prison funding levels and promote alternatives to custody
The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee has concluded that real-terms increases in the revenue and capital budgets for the Scottish Prison Service are needed for 2020/21.
Published 2 December 2019
England: High Court to hear challenge over government refusal to hold judge-led inquiry into torture and rendition
The High Court of England and Wales will hear a judicial review challenge over the UK government’s refusal to hold a fully independent, judge-led inquiry into British involvement in rendition and torture, a judge has ruled. Human rights NGO Reprieve, politicians David Davis and Dan Jarvis launched judicial review proceedings against the government in October of this year. In granting permission for the case to proceed, Mr Justice Hilliard wrote: "The argument for an unmet investigative obligation emerges from the history of previous investigations which were not completed…witness testimony is particularly important where records may not tell the full story…systemic failings may not be satisfactorily identified in separate proceedings initiated by individuals. Although some lessons have undoubtedly been learned and improvements made, it is open to argument whether all the necessary lessons can have been learned if the facts have not been fully established."Mr Justice Hilliard referenced the Intelligence and Security Committee's (ISC) findings extensively in his judgment granting permission for the judicial review to proceed:
Published 2 December 2019
Two promotions at Dallas McMillan Solicitors
Dallas McMillan Solicitors has announced two promotions.
Published 2 December 2019
Fraser Hopkins joins BTO's construction team
BTO Solicitors LLP has announced the appointment of new partner Fraser Hopkins to its construction team.
Published 2 December 2019
Coulters Letting sets up home with Gilson Gray
Gilson Gray has revealed fuller details of its acquisition of Coulters Letting which has allowed the firm to instantly add an impressive residential letting capability to its property services operation.
Published 2 December 2019
New personal injury action rules
New rules have been developed by the Personal Injuries Committee of the Scottish Civil Justice Council for cases proceeding under Chapter 42A of the Rules of the Court of Session.
Published 2 December 2019
Scottish Women's Aid plan to employ solicitors on helpline 'near impossible' to implement
A proposed helpline run by lawyers advising victims of domestic abuse will be "near impossible" to implement, the president of the Law Society of Scotland has said.
Published 2 December 2019
Peterhead Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court's new roof and cladding completed
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has completed the work to renew roof finishes and replace cladding panels on the extension at Peterhead Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court.
Published 2 December 2019
Law Society vice president nomination for Ken Dalling
Stirling solicitor Ken Dalling has been nominated to become the next vice president of the Law Society of Scotland.
Published 2 December 2019
Note the date: Faculty Choir carol concert on Friday, 13 December
The Faculty of Advocates Choir is in fine voice, and hoping as many people as possible will join it for the traditional charity carol concert.
Published 2 December 2019
And finally... wavy gravy
Cannabis-infused gravy has proved a massive hit in the US during the holiday of Thanksgiving.
Published 2 December 2019
Lib Dem leader granted interim interdict over SNP ‘defamatory’ election leaflet
The leader of the Liberal Democrats has been granted interim interdict to prohibit a Scottish National Party rival from distributing an election leaflet which claimed she had “accepted a £14K donation from a fracking company”.
Published 29 November 2019
