News

Julie Hamilton comments on the role of the expert witness in the wake of a recent case south of the border. The recent, high profile collapse of a multimillion pound fraud trial in London highlights the importance of expert evidence. The role of an expert witness should be to provide the court with

Brodies LLP has been appointed to advise hub South East Scotland Limited on a number of primary and secondary school projects in East Lothian, West Lothian and Edinburgh. Brodies’ infrastructure team, which includes experts in infrastructure, procurement, finance and construction, will work wi

A criminal investigation into two Northern Ireland journalists who won a judicial review in connection with police raids on their homes and office has been dropped. Journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey were arrested and questioned by police in August 2018, shortly after the release of their

Advocacy skills training will have a truly international flavour this week at a special course organised by the Faculty of Advocates.

BTO Solicitors LLP is sponsoring an exhibition featuring works of art from the public collection owned by charity Art in Healthcare. Presented as part of the Connect with Nature Festival at Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, this exciting exhibition presents a selection of work from t

Authorities in Uganda have cracked down on the consumption and sale of alcohol in plastic sachets as a public health measure. The government ban was introduced two years ago, but small packets of spirits were still common in the African country until 1 June.

A motorist accused of speeding who claimed that a notice of intended prosecution was invalid because it bore a digital signature of the former chief constable has had his appeal rejected. John Scrymgeour-Wedderburn challenged the competency of the prosecution on the basis that the notice includ

For the second year in succession, Harper Macleod has announced a large round of promotions in which female lawyers represent two-thirds of those making the step up.

The father of an Algerian student murdered in December 2017 in Glasgow has criticised the Crown Office for treating him like an “imbecile”. The body of Meryem Elbah, 30, was found at a tower block in December 2017, the Sunday Mail reports.

Holyrood’s Justice Committee is to hold its first evidence session on a Scottish government proposal to extend the presumption against short sentences from three months or less to twelve months or less. Although courts would retain the power to sentence as they see fit, the legislation would m

Aberdeen firm James & George Collie LLP (incorporating Kinnear & Falconer, Stonehaven) has announced the promotion of Steven Allan to associate. Mr Allan joined the firm in February 2017 having previously worked for a number of other established local firms and has significant experience in

Nicola Edgar looks at English proposals to overhaul the medical negligence regime. Sir Rupert Jackson, a former Court of Appeal Judge whose views have previously formed the basis of government policy, has set out radical proposals for overhauling the medical negligence law and procedures for handlin

Applications are being sought by the Faculty of Advocates for lay members to serve on its Complaints Committee and Disciplinary Tribunal. Lay members make up at least 50 per cent of both the committee and the tribunal, and the Faculty is keen to increase its pool of lay members, particularly from mi

The Airdrie Justice of the Peace Court will open for business at its new premises on 10 June 2019. The court has relocated from the current premises in Coatbridge, following a public consultation last year. The new court will be located directly opposite the existing Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Shepherd and Wedderburn has appointed Yvonne Brady to the new role of head of diversity, development and inclusion. Ms Brady, a senior partner, is responsible for all of Shepherd and Wedderburn’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and maximising their impact for the benefit of colleagues and