Law Society news
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Solicitors protest reform of a system at breaking point
Our President, Ken Dalling, reiterates that the Scottish Government must take action on legal aid.
Law Society of Scotland calls for an explanation for weekend court incident
Our President, Ken Dalling, calls for an explanation after reports of a solicitor being removed from Edinburgh Sheriff Court
Any change of verdicts must be consistent with principles of Scottish justice system
As Scottish Parliament election candidates pledge to review the not proven verdict, Law Society President Amanda Millar warns that principles of Scottish criminal justice system must be maintained.
Court business reduction extended throughout March
The safety of court users remains of primary concern as the Lord President announces that the current reduction in court business will remain in place throughout March 2021.
Roll out of High Court Jury Centres welcomed
The Law Society has welcomed news that jury trials in solemn cases will make use of remote centres to ensure cases can go ahead while preserving physical distancing.
Faculty ruling does not change solicitor obligations
Our comment following the publication of a Dean's Ruling allowing Faculty members to appear in criminal matters, short of trial, without the instructing solicitor.
A quick guide to the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019
Provisions of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 came into effect today (Monday 20 January 2020), including a presumption in favour of pre-recording the evidence of child witnesses in certain types of cases. We are working with Scottish Government officials to develop training in this area, and in the meantime have highlighted some of the changes.
Greater consistency needed for vulnerable accused people
Report sets out five key steps to ensure greater consistency for vulnerable accused people