Blogs & opinions

Independent consideration needed for "Operation Sandwood" Lockerbie report
Lord Advocate and Crown Office would be "judge and jury in own cause"

Letter: mistakes without penalty
Registers of Scotland, who face no sanction for their mistakes, should be more understanding when solicitors fall short

Letter: information deficit
Is disclosure of beneficial ownership no longer being pursued?

Peace: a pious hope?
Reflections as a frenetic year draws to a close

Living with counterpart signing
Some practical points for landlords and agents to bear in mind

Now landlords must carry out electrical checks
Ministers issue guidance on new requirements

Repairing standard now covers CO alarms
All rented properties with fixed combustion appliance now need an alarm

Bankruptcy Act alters the enforcement landscape
Two changes of note in the 2014 Act

Tribunal reform gearing up
Preparations underway for new two-tier system

Acas helps the recruitment process
New guide comes with examples – but beware right to work

EAT reviews capability dismissal procedures
Two cases focus on questions considered by employer

Auto-enrolment compliance action having an effect
Notices and fixed penalties prompt employer action

ET fee remission claim form simplified
No separate form to be produced for Scotland

Zero hours exclusivity regulations published in draft
BIS also offers guidance on when zero hours contracts appropriate

Aiming high
The Society is right to aim at being a world class professional organisation – but what does it take?

A Street Law lesson for Street Lawyers
Laura Gulliver tells us more about the latest training for law students joining the Law Society’s Street Law scheme

Letter: inaccuracies in the register
Are Registers of Scotland staff making more mistakes on title sheets? How big is the problem?

Letter: when you can't say no?
Cases can arise that it is difficult ethically to turn down

Under the public gaze
Time for a review of how to uphold the public interest in cases such as Hales/Thomson

“Discernible benefit” test inappropriate in contact decision
Inner House puts weight on keeping father-daughter relationship

Conduct of farm business did not determine farm ownership
Wife fails with property claim but wins periodical allowance

Mediation protection held not relevant to child abduction
Acquiescence established in children being brought to UK

Children “in transit” still habitually resident in Scotland
Court retained jurisdiction to make s 11 order

Registers asks for views on Keeper-induced registration
12-week consultation on further aid to completing Land Register