Law Society news
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Public Policy highlights – March 2021
Our policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law. Read our round up of the key pieces of work completed in March.
National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership report published
The report and recommendations set out a statutory framework for human rights, but Scotland's record on human rights should never be taken for granted.
Call for education programme to support hate crime legislation
We have called for an education programme to support proposals to modernise hate crime legislation, which will encourage an inclusive, equal and diverse Scottish society
Law Society calls for Scotland-wide high-rise cladding assessment following new funding announcement
We have welcomed the UK Government’s recent announcement on making further funding available for removing dangerous cladding on high rise buildings and called for a Scotland-wide assessment of high-rise buildings.
Public Policy update January 2021
Our policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law - read more about the key pieces of work they completed in January.
Public Policy highlights – December 2020
Our policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law - read more about the key pieces of work they completed in December.
Climate change and the Scottish legal profession
Our COP26 and climate change working group surveyed members about what the profession thinks are the key climate change issues.
Law Society welcomes further amendments planned for Hate Crime Bill
The Society has welcomed plans for Stage 2 amendments to Hate Crime Bill
Evidence required to show lockdown hospital discharges were lawful
We have called on the Scottish Government to release data showing the legal basis for moving hospital patients to care homes at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, due to the lack of information in a recent Public Health Scotland report.
Law Society of Scotland calls for action to reform crofting law
We have published recommendations in relation to the law of crofting and urged the Scottish Government to take prompt action to reform the law.
Welcome for Justice Committee recommendations on reopening courts
The Society has welcomed Justice Committee recommendations on reopening Scotland’s courts and tribunals system.
Law Society welcomes plans to amend hate crime bill
We have welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement that it is to amend key aspects of the hate crime bill to address concerns we have raised.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Criminal law and legal aid round-up July 2020
A round-up of activity undertaken by the Criminal Law and Legal Aid Committees in response to the coronavirus outbreak so far, as well as a look ahead to what challenges they are focussing on next.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Unified tribunal essential in creating a person-centred approach to mental health law
The creation of a new, unified tribunal empowered to look at a full range of remedies under mental health law would enable individuals’ cases to be dealt with in a prompt, holistic and person-centred way.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Jury trials should continue with safety measures in place
Feedback from a working group led by the Law Society has been submitted to the Scottish Government in response to their discussion paper on options for criminal jury trials during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill
The case for allowing the most serious criminal trials to be heard without a jury has not yet been made, warns the Law Society of Scotland commenting on the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill. This page has been updated to welcome the news that the Scottish Government will withdraw this element of the Bill.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Tourist tax should have a national framework with local discretion
A tourist tax would be most practical and efficient if implemented as part of a national framework, with some built-in flexibility for local discretion.