News

A bill that aims to criminalise the buying of sex in Scotland has received support from a world expert on violence against women and girls.  Alba MSP Ash Regan lodged the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood last month. 

Rape shield laws are fostering an inequality of arms in the courtroom and violating the right to a fair trial, a criminal silk has argued. Thomas Ross KC said there was widespread concern at the defence bar over the human rights of accused persons but that lawyers fear speaking out in case doing so

Axiom is delighted to announce two new members calling today, Ysabeau Middleton and Karen Forbes, both of whom bring a wealth of experience to the practice. Ms Middleton is experienced in public and commercial law civil litigation. Prior to calling, she gained invaluable experience as law clerk to t

Gilson Gray has appointed Monika Haidar as partner to lead its residential conveyancing practice in London. She brings over a decade of experience in residential property and inward investment, with a strong focus on the London market. She has advised overseas clients and played a key role in facili

Businesses operating in the UK could be required by law to “develop, disclose and implement a transition plan that is aligned with trajectories to meet net zero by 2050”, according to plans under consideration by the UK government, writes Michael Watson. The government has opened a serie

Two men linked to serious organised crime have been sentenced to a total of 13 years and seven months in prison for operating a drug-running operation. Charles McAllister, 53, was convicted of directing others including co-accused Stephen Lamb to commit offences including the sale and supply of cont

New legislation forbids schools in a US state from displaying the words "everyone is welcome here" in classrooms. A law which came into effect on Tuesday bans schools in Idaho from displaying flags or banners "representing a political, religious, or ideological expression".

Miller Samuel Hill Brown has announced the promotion of Chloe Crawford to senior solicitor. Audrey Junner, head of the licensing division, said: "I am delighted to congratulate Chloe on her promotion to senior solicitor. Throughout her time at the firm, Chloe has made a significant impact, represent

Deborah O’Brien Demick has been appointed the new HM chief inspector of prosecution in Scotland. She succeeds Laura Paton who has been in the position since 2019.

First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to the eight Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem. The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who died in public service. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who d

Members of the public are being asked to have their say on proposals aimed at boosting the health, prosperity and wellbeing of communities by improving Scotland’s environment. The draft Environment Strategy sets out the opportunities for strengthening Scotland’s economy and improving peo

A round-up of human rights stories from around the world. Global firms ‘profiting from genocide’ in Gaza, says UN rapporteur

A first-of-its-kind public inquiry in Australia has published its recommendations for redress for the indigenous people who suffered genocide at the hands of British colonists. The Yoorrook Justice Commission was set up in 2021 as Australia's first formal truth-telling process and was tasked with ex

BTO Solicitors LLP has launched CyberProtect, a new specialist legal service aimed at supporting businesses and public sector bodies in proactively managing the risk of cyber-attacks and more effectively responding to and recovering from cyber incidents. As the frequency and sophistication of cyber

Work to promote mutual understanding of the differences in adults with incapacity law across the UK will benefit the public, according to the professional bodies for solicitors north and south of the border. The Law Society of Scotland and the Law Society of England and Wales have jointly developed