News

Severe overcrowding, resource constraints and workforce pressures are exacerbating issues related to substance misuse in Scotland’s prisons, say the Criminal Justice Committee. The committee’s inquiry looked at how substances enter Scotland’s prison estate, the impact of substances

A high-tech facial recognition system introduced by the mayor of São Paulo has led to his own sister's identification and arrest for an alleged crime. The introduction of the "Smart Sampa" system was one of the key policy achievements of Ricardo Nunes' administration, which has run the city s

The Law Society of Scotland has announced that Sarah Drummond is being appointed the organisation’s first ever general counsel. Sarah Drummond has been appointed as general counsel of the Law Society of Scotland.

Two former nuns and a retired support worker have been convicted of abusing vulnerable young people at children’s homes more than 40 years ago. Carol Buirds, 75, Eileen McElhinney, 78, and Dorothy Kane, 68, were found guilty of subjecting multiple victims to cruel and unnatural treatment betwe

Changes to improve, simplify and clarify the legislative framework for the children’s care system to benefit children in care, their families and the workforce that support them will be considered by an independent, expert-led review. The review, to be led by Professor Kenneth Norrie, a leadin

Holyrood has approved government legislation which will help ensure EURO 2028 in Scotland is "fair and affordable" for supporters and businesses. The UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill aims to safeguard against touts and preventing EURO 2028 tickets being sold above face value or for profit

Italy's most famous social media influencer has been acquitted in a fraud trial relating to a Christmas cake and Easter egg scandal. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence for Chiara Ferragni, who has more than 28 million followers on Instagram, following "pandorogate".

Freeths has provided legal advice to Wattstor on a new debt financing of up to £50 million from Aldermore Bank to support the growth of its Price Protect project portfolio. Wattstor is an energy company that provides commercial and industrial customers with low-cost renewable electricity. The

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has proposed a 12.5 per cent rise to the general levy, which it argues is needed due to rising complaint numbers and the implementation of new legislation. In its budget for 2026-27, its anticipated expenditure is £5,990,482 (up from the previous

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) has strengthened its Inverness office with two experienced solicitors returning after two years. The firm welcomes back senior associate Alison Reid and legal director Yasmin Myles as they return to WJM.

A retired judge has made a list of recommendations to repair Scotland's broken fatal accident inquiry (FAI) system. Sheriff Principal Abercrombie made 34 recommendations in a new report, which describes the "current intolerable delays" of FAIs as the "collective failing" of disparate parts of the sy

The use of community payback orders (CPOs) by Scottish courts rose by nine per cent last year, according to new figures. Scottish government statistics show that 16,500 CPOs were commenced in 2024-25, up from 15,114 the previous year.

Fair work policies are to be extended at colleges and universities in Scotland as part of a larger change to the funding arrangements for these institutions. It will mean that higher and further education bodies will be expected to meet additional criteria in areas such as addressing workplace inequ

A recently published blog by Legal Services Agency (LSA) summarises key findings from research undertaken by LLM student Sarah McGoogan through a social justice professional project with the University of Strathclyde Law School.

Lord Colbeck will lead the independent public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh, following the resignation of former chair Lord Bracadale. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes notified Holyrood of the appointment yesterday. Lord Colbeck takes up the role from Monday 2