Blogs & opinions
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Journal editorial December 2023
A farewell message, with many people to thank, on stepping down as editor after 20 years in post
Journal editorial November 2023
I support those including the International Bar Association and Barack Obama who call for Israel's response to the Hamas atrocities to align with humanitarian values
Journal editorial October 2023
There is legitimate concern that so few complaints of rape lead to a guilty verdict, but the main focus should be on complainers' experience
Journal editorial September 2023
Perceptions are said to be important in considering whether conflicts of interest exist in regulation of the legal profession, but these differ widely in submissions on the bill
Journal editorial August 2023
We should be alive to the danger of letting dubious arguments for freedom prevent necessary measures against climate change
Journal editorial July 2023
Troubles continue for Scots criminal defence lawyers, now added to by problems delivering custody accused to court in a system under strain
Journal editorial May 2023
For different reasons, the bills on regulation of legal services and on justice reform could each result in a trial of strength between the Society and the Scottish Government
Journal editorial April 2023
Crowdfunded litigation is probably here to stay, and if properly organised has a legitimate role in holding Government and other large organisations to account
Journal editorial March 2023
The UK Government is regrettably showing disregard for lawyers and the rule of law through its Illegal Migration Bill and rhetoric with it
Journal editorial February 2023
Widening access to the profession remains a desirable goal – but any form of exclusion is unfair
Journal editorial January 2023
The decision on the future of legal services regulation places considerable trust in professional bodies; they should embrace the challenge
Journal editorial December 2022
Many solicitors are feeling cost of living pressures too, adding to workplace stress, and now is the time to ensure a supportive workplace
Journal editorial November 2022
The squeeze on public spending is likely to mean difficult times ahead for the justice budget, with potential impact on the profession
Journal editorial October 2022: Changed spots?
With or without the British Bill of Rights Bill, the profession should look out for acts by the Truss Government that may limit human rights
Journal editorial August 2022: Crisis beyond cost?
The scale of the looming cost of living crisis due to energy price rises and other pressures could overwhelm the societal fabric on which many of our rights depend, without radical action
Journal editorial June 2022: The big freeze
The announced freeze on spending in the justice sector will worsen the existing crisis, and something will have to give
Journal editorial May 2022: Ball in their court
There could at last be public sympathy for action taken by legal aid lawyers in support of their campaign for adequate rates
Journal editorial October 2021
Legal rights and climate change are intimately interlinked, and lawyers can expect to be increasingly called on to advise on related matters
Journal editorial September 2021
The draft rules for holding civil court hearings remotely go further than may feel comfortable with – is there a justification?
Journal editorial August 2021
Plans to cut criminal case backlogs need proper consultation with defence lawyers – and a drive to make best use of their time
Journal editorial May 2021
After featuring in the election campaign the future of the not proven verdict is in doubt – but are there alternatives to simple abolition?
Journal editorial August 2020
Alleviating the impact of COVID-19 would be a better use of Holyrood's time between now and the election than the Hate Crime Bill
Seeking the positive
A bit of flexibility and imagination can achieve things this year, whether for a business in the face of Brexit or for employees to improve their work-life balance, and wellbeing
The Debate - backstage, front of house and top tips
In this mini-series of blogs, three key players in the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament share their individual perspectives of the event.