Coronavirus

John Scott QC has been commissioned by Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone to review the force's use of new emergency powers to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. The respected human rights lawyer will chair a group to provide independent scrutiny of how officers and staff are ap

Former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has called for a prisoner release programme to be established by the Scottish government in light of the pandemic. Under the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act, only those convicted of sexual or terror offences or who pose a threat to an identified person will be req

A national campaign is being relaunched to reassure anyone experiencing domestic abuse that support is available to them during these difficult times. Social isolation measures put in place to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19) may be adding pressure to those in abusive domestic situations.

A journey of a thousand miles is said to begin with a single step. I suggest a journey needs a destination. Without this the traveller is lost. COVID-19 has paralysed this country and indeed the world. It threatens our economy, collective life, family life and how we as human beings exist and intera

Court administrators have been urged to reconsider the “mothballing” of civil business, amid fears that the financial futures of some law firms and advocates are being jeopardised. Roddy Dunlop QC, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said that – as is happening in England &ndash

Advocate Niall McCluskey's one-hour CPD seminar on the Coronavirus Act 2020 is now available for free online. The law which was fast-tracked through Parliament in three days has given ministers, councils, police, health professionals and coroners far-reaching additional powers during the UK’s

Jim Bauld outlines what the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act means for antisocial tenants. The Scottish Parliament has moved to pass emergency legislation to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 is now on the statute books.

Professor Peter Watson of PBW Law has been appointed to a panel studying the coronavirus threat for police in Scotland. Professor Watson is the legal member of the panel tasked with giving specialist advice on the safeguards police require.

Pinsent Masons has furloughed some of its non-fee earners in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The firm may also issue guidance on holidays as it looks to avoid mass absences when the lockdown eases.

We have all heard the phrase “no good deed goes unpunished” and it seems very appropriate in the rental market at this extremely difficult time, writes Stephanie Zak. Landlords must, of course, seek to help tenants who are struggling to pay – by offering rent holidays or other conc

The Lord Advocate has reiterated the Crown's commitment that any reported person who deliberately coughs or spits at police officers or other front-line workers during the coronavirus emergency will be dealt with robustly by Scotland's prosecution service. James Wolffe QC has said placing at ri

A company established by a Scottish solicitor, delivering quick and affordable online wills in clients' own homes, has recorded meteoric growth since the coronavirus lockdown with an upsurge among women and health professionals. Lawyer Bruce de Wert set up www.MyScottishWill.co.uk in the year 2000 a

Herbert Kerrigan QC has suggested that proposals for non-jury trials in solemn cases be rejected. Last week the Scottish government had sought to pass legislation that would remove juries from solemn trials for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. 

A criminologist has suggested that Scotland will face prison riots if inmates are not afforded any coronavirus protection. Twelve people died in riots in Italian jails last month after prisoners objected to restrictions on visits.

Neil Casey guides landlords through the emergency changes to housing legislation in Scotland. The Scottish Government has passed the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill, which will now become law. These emergency provisions are due to expire on 30 September 2020, although ministers have the power to ex